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THE 



H ISTORY 



UNION, CONN., 

FOUNDED ON MATERIAL GATHERED BY 

REV. CHARLES HAMMOND, LL. D. 

PRINCIPAL OF MONSON ACADEMY. 

— COMPILED BY — 

REV. HARVEY M. LAWSON, Ph. B. 

WITH ASSISTANCE FROM MANY OTHERS. 



PRESS OF PRICE. LEE & ADKINS CO. 

NEW HAVEN, CONN. 

1S93. 



9676 




PREFACE. 



The history which is now offered to the public is composed of the 
material which ]\Ir. Hammond gathered, with additions from all sources 
from which anything could be obtained. As is well known, Mr. Ham- 
mond made efforts for a long series of years, to glean all the facts which 
he could find relative to the history of his native town. These efforts 
were mainly directed in the line of investigating the history and gene- 
alogies of the old families in town. Here his labors were invaluable ; 
for had he not gathered the facts when he did, many of them would 
have been forever lost. Most of the matter in the genealogies, then, 
comes from Mr. Hammond. Many additions have been inserted and 
the attempt has been made to bring the records down to date. In the 
preparation of the other portions of the history use has been made of 
Mr. Hammond's historical addresses, especially the one on the Revolu- 
tion, delivered at Mashapaug Lake, July 4th, 1853, and the one on the 
History of Union, also given at Mashapaug in August. 1S76. Mr. Ham- 
mond also left in a crude form considerable material which he had 
gathered from the town and church records, the State archives, old 
papers and conversation. All this has been worked over, and every- 
thing of value has been inserted in its proper place in the history. 

After Mr. Hammond's death, his widow sent all this historical mate- 
rial to Wm. Corbin. He in turn put it into the hands of Rev. J. P. Wat- 
son who was interested in the history of town and who began to make 
further investigations, especially in regard to the families. Mr. Watson 
made notes of the facts which he gathered, but they were for his own 
use and it has been hard to make them out in all cases. When Mr. Wat- 
son died in 188S, the material was returned by his brother to Mr. Corbin. 
In the summer of 1S90 the writer borrowed the books from Mr. Corbin 
and commenced to study up the history. As there seemed to be no one 
else to do it, he resolved, in the limited time at his disposal, to attempt 
to put the work in shape for publication. The compiler is painfully con- 



IV 



PREFACE. 



scious of many imperfections in the book, as he now offers it to the pub- 
lic. The time which he has had in which to prepare it has been limited 
to the vacations in his theological course, which have also been occupied 
with other duties. And the expectation of soon leaving the country to 
engage in missionary service has made it necessary to complete the 
work in the shortest possible time. Hence it has been impossible to 
bring the work to that state of literary perfection which long painstak- 
ing alone can give. Doubtless many errors will be discovered in the 
book. It is impossible to avoid them in a work of this kind. But the 
attempt has been made to have everything as correct as possible. The 
great motive of the compiler in undertaking the work has been to make 
the results of Mr. Hammond's labors available to the public. He has 
sought to do this in the best way possible in the limited time which he 
has had. Perhaps some future historian will one day rise up in town, 
who Avill take the material which is now saved from oblivion and put it 
into a form more worthy of the town and the noble men which it has 
produced. 

Acknowledgment is made of the assistance which has been cordially 
rendered in the preparation of this work by many different persons. 
The compiler has been compelled to seek for information from a large 
number of people, who have uniformly sought to aid him in all the waj's 
which lay in their power. Thanks are due to Mr. E. H. Lockwood of 
New Haven, who has drawn the map of the town, without hope of com- 
pensation. Rev. Geo. Curtiss of Mayville, North Dakota, has kindly 
furnished to the writer a sketch of his father's life and pastorate in 
Union, together with several other things. 

Some people may feel dissatisfied that they or their families do not 
receive fuller mention in the genealogies. The writer wishes it under- 
stood that, if in some cases he has traced out some families farther than 
others, or has given a fuller account of the lives of some persons than of 
others equally prominent, it has been because he has had the material 
at hand in one case and not in the other. He has endeavored to make 
the genealogies as complete as possible. But a little reflection will show 
that to make them absolutely complete in all their ramifications would 
be an endless as well as an impossible task. Hence any defects of this 
kind are due not to partiality but to lack of time and opportunity. 

Of course man}^ mistakes will be found in the genealogies. The 



PREFACE. V 

writer's brother, Dr. George N. Lawson, whose present address is Mid- 
dle Haddam, Conn., has offered to receive all corrections which anyone 
would like to make, and make a corrected copy of the book which can be 
used if a new edition is ever published. 

With these remarks the writer gladly offers his work to those who 

are interested in his native town. 

HARVEY M. LAWSON. 
Yale Divinity School, 

New Haven, Conn., March 1st, i8gj. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

A Sketch of the Life and Labors of Rev. Charles 
Hammond, LL.D. — i. 

CHAPTER L 

The Physical Features of Unh3n. 

Interesting- Character — Size — Boundaries — Elevation — 
Bald Hill — Other Hills — Mashapaug Lake— Celebra- 
tions Held Here— Summer Resorts — Water Sheds in 
Union — The Breakneck Region— Cat Rocks — Roads in 
Union — Forests — Plants and Birds. — 16. 

CHAPTER II. 

Settlement and Early History of Union. 

Date of Settlement — Lead Mine — Boundary with Massa- 
chusetts — Name of Union — Land of Content — Sale of 
Union Lands — Action of the Proprietors — Reservation 
for Public Uses — The Home Lots — First Settlers — The 
Scotch-Irish — Puritan Families. — 36. 

CHAPTER III. 

Ecclesiastical History. 

I. The Congregational Church at Union. 

Connection with the History of the Town — Worship by the 
Early Settlers — Petition for Incorporation — Act of 
Incorporation — Order for the Tax — Conflict with the 
Proprietors — The Colonel Brown Controversy — Disa- 
greement Concerning Minister — Memorial to the As- 
sembly — Rev. Samuel Terry — Call of Rev. Ebenezer 
Wyman — Organization of the Church — Places of Early 
Worship — Building of the Meeting House— Death of 
Mr. Wyman — His Character — Rev. Caleb Hitchcock — 
Rev. Ezra Horton — Difficulties in the Church — Dis- 
missal of Mr. Horton — Preachers who Followed Him — 
Low State of the Church — Rev. David Avery — Forma- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii 

tion of the Society — Rev. Nehemiah Beardsley — Revival 
of 1831— Building of the New Meeting- House — Rev. S. 
I. Curtiss — Temperance Reform — Remodeling of the 
Church — Dismissal of Mr. Curtiss — Rev. J. P. Watson — 
Rev. George Curtiss — Rev. William Howard — Rev. I. P. 
Smith — Anniversary of the Organization— Deacons of 
the Church — Future Prospects — Funds of the Church — 
List of Members. — 47. 

II. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Mashapaug. 

Old Methodist Church — Organization of the Present Church 
— Its Pastors — Causes which have made the Church 
Weak — Prospects for the Future — List of Members — 
List of Pastors. — 105. 

CHAPTER IV. "^ " 

Military History of Union. 

I. Union in the Revolution. 

Need of Militia — French and Indian War — Training — Cases 
of Tory Discipline — Colonel Abijah Willard — Timothy 
Holton — Battle of Lexington — Rally and March of 
Union Men — Enlistment of Soldiers — Lieutenant 
Sprague — Bunker Hill — Hardships of the Soldiers — 
Captain Lawson's Company — Campaign against Bur- 
goyne — Hardships at Home — Raising Taxes — List of 
Revolutionary Soldiers. — iii. 

II. Union in the War of 1812. 
Men who went from Union. — 138. 

III. The Trainings. — 139. 
IV. Union in the Rebellion. 

Company I, Sixteenth Regiment— David Corbin's Company 
G, Twenty-Second Regiment — List of Union Soldiers — 
Soldiers who have Lived in Union since the War — 
The D. P. Corbin Post.— 141. 

CHAPTER V. 

Biographical Sketches. 

Jesse Olney, A.M.— Dr. Shubael Hammond— Deacon Samuel 
Crawford — Judge I. W. Crawford— Eleazer Foster — 
Eleazer K. Foster— Rev. S. I. Curtiss— Rev. George 
Curtiss— Prof. S. I. Curtiss— Captain Chauncey Paul— 



viii TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Harvey Walker — Hannah Moore — Mrs. Calista Holman 
Vinton — Rev. Thomas Holman — Moses G. Leonard — 
Jared D. Sessions — Joseph M. Griggs — Sarah A.. Paul — 
David P. Corbin, A.M.— William M. Corbin— Justus V. 
Lawson — Charles F. Morse — Rev. Isaac Booth, D.D. — 
Philip D. Armour — Andrew W. Armour — Dwight 
Marcy— Philip Corbin— M. A. Marcy— Joel H. Reed.— 

151- 

CHAPTER VI. 

Industrial History of Union. 

I. Agriculture : Farming by the Early Settlers — Crops 

Raised — Markets — Wild Animals — Present Condition 
of Agriculture. — 221. 

II. Lumbering: Importance in Union — The Saw-Mills in 
Town. — 229. 

III. The Store and Shoe Business: Merrick Marcy — Busi- 
ness of His Sons — Burning of the Block at Union — The 
Business at Mashapaug : Moses White — Harvey Walker 
— Jared Sessions — William Corbin — Cessation of the 
Shoe Manufacture — Other Industries at Mashapaug. — 
233. 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Schools of Union. 

The Early Schools — The School Societ}^ — Teachers — Pres- 
ent Condition of Schools — The Select Schools of Union 
— Names of Teachers — List of College Students from 
Union. — 240. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Cemeteries of Union. 

The Old Cemetery— The North Cemetery— The New" 
Cemetery — The East Cemetery. — 248. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Genealogies of the Families. — 252. 

CHAPTER X. 

List of Town Officers, Etc. 

Representatives in Legislature from the Town of Union — 
Selectmen — Town Clerks and Treasurers — Population 
of the Town.— 501. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND LABORS OF 
REV. CHARLES HAMMON-D, LL. D. 

(taken mainly from the memorial discourse of elbridge 
smith, delivered before the massachusetts teachers' 
association, december 31, 1879). 

CHARLES HAMMOND, to whom the origin of this 
history is due, was born in Union, June 15, 1813. He 
was the oldest child of Dr. Shubael Hammond, who for 
fifty years was the physician of the town. (vSee the sketch 
of his life). Dr. Hammond lived on the place now occu- 
pied by Mr. Mason Horton, and it was here that Charles 
was born. He became very closely attached to his boy- 
hood home, and was always glad to revisit it. In telling the 
story of the digging of the well on the place, he speaks of 
sometimes "longing for the water of that well as David 
longed for the water by the gate of Bethlehem." With the 
rest of the family he attended the Congregational church 
at Union. He publicly professed his faith in Christ, and 
joined the church Nov. 20, 1831, when he was eighteen 
years old. It appears that he always retained his member- 
ship in the church of his youth. He was ever one of its 
warmest friends. 

In his early years, his kindness of heart and quickness 
of intellect, his love of study and his indifference to play, 
seemed to mark him for a different life from that of the 
farm or the workshop. But the physician of seventy years 
ago, as he rode in saddle or sulky, in storm or sunshine, in 
heat or cold, through mud and dust, by night and by day, 
received no three or five dollar fees for prescription or 
medicine. The expense of a collegiate education on the 
basis of so small an income, seemed to Dr. Hammond more 



2 SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

than prudence or honesty would justify; he accordingly 
felt obliged, though with great reluctance, to advise his 
son to make the most of the district school and of the pri- 
vate high school, which frequently flourished in New Eng- 
land towns during the autumn inonths, and not attempt 
a more extended or expensive course. But the prudence 
of the father was overborne by the partiality of friends 
and neighbors, a mother's affection, a sister's pride and a 
sister's love; sacrifices were made, new means devised, 
new toils were welcomed and the task undertaken. At the 
age of seventeen he taught successfully a district school in 
Willington, Conn., and the next summer began the more 
direct preparatory studies for college at Monson Academy. 
It was with great joy to himself that he rode with his 
father on a June morning in 1 831, fifteen miles over hill 
and valley to Monson. The father was doubtless question- 
ing with himself what manner of man his boy should 
become; what would be the end of that new departure in 
the voyage of life. While the son, buoyant with hope, was 
rejoicing as a strong man to run a race in the new prospect 
now opening for the exercise of his powers. He had come 
to Monson for no idle day dreaming, but for a purpose to 
be realized only by studious toil and patient endurance. 
Here he continued his preparatory studies at intervals for 
five years. It was during his school life at Monson that 
his religious life assumed a positive and determined form, 
and that generous and earnest faith which gave a new 
direction and greater force to his life work first took com- 
plete possession of his soul. 

In 1835, at the mature age of twenty-two, he entered 
Yale College. Here he was known as a modest, respectable 
scholar, of a very sociable, genial nature among friends, a 
fine writer, broad thinker, and a prominent singer in the 
college choir. During his college course he was obliged to 
devote a part of his time to teaching in order to gain 
means for his support. This to such an enthusiastic 
scholar as Mr. Hammond, was a deprivation. But it helped 
to develop the sturdy qualities of the man. 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 3 

In the spring of 1839 the preceptorship of Monson 
Academy became vacant, and his alma mater had not for- 
gotten, during his four years' absence, the promise of his 
academic life, and without waiting for his graduation from 
college, which was to take place in the summer, recalled 
him to her service. In accepting this important position, 
however, it was not with the intention of making teaching 
his permanent occupation. The purpose previoiisly enter- 
tained of studying theology remained undisturbed, and the 
two and a half years which he spent at Monson was a 
ripening period of his life. He thoroughly reviewed his 
college studies in connection with the branches which he 
taught. Self-interest and pleasure alike combined to ren- 
der his teaching earnest, thorough and delightful. His 
associate at this time was one who had been his classmate 
at the academy, and one who has since become one of the 
brightest ornaments of the American pulpit, the Rev. 
Richard S. Storrs, D.D., of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

In the autumn of 1841 Mr. Hammond began the study 
of theology at Andover. After spending a year under the 
instruction of Moses Stuart, Bela B. Edwards, and others, 
he returned to New Haven and completed his course at the 
Yale Seminary. Here he received instruction from Dr. 
Nathaniel W. Taylor, at that time the greatest name in 
New England theology. On completing his course of pro- 
fessional study in 1844, he was licensed to preach by the 
Tolland County Association, and was in readiness to enter 
upon his work whenever the right field should open to his 
view. While waiting for this opening, the preceptorship 
of Monson Academy again fell vacant, and he was again 
summoned to that familiar post. One reason which led 
him to devote himself to teaching, instead of preaching, 
was a natural timidity and shrinking from public speaking 
which seemed to baffle his first efforts, and which he 
found great difficulty in mastering. He seemed utterly 
unconscious of the advantages which he possessed in his 
rich voice, his superior presence and powerful pen. There 
is scarcely a pulpit in the land which would not have 



4 SKETCH OF BEV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

sought his ministrations after a few years' exercise of his 
natural and acquired powers. He should have remembered 
such examples as Daniel Webster, who said that he got 
along very well at school with everything except declama- 
tion, and that he never could do. But let us not criticise 
or complain; the pulpit's loss has been the schoolroom's 
gain. The bashful young clergyman, unable to face an 
audience to his satisfaction, has infused the sacred fire 
into hundreds of young minds now filling the pulpit, plead- 
ing at the bar, or swaying from the platform delighted 
thousands who hang upon their lips. It is pleasant to 
notice that Dr. Hammond was the first to predict the great 
eminence of his early classmate and associate, — that 
divine who holds, in the estimation of many, the first 
place in the American pulpit, — the Rev. Dr. Storrs, of 
Brooklyn. He little thought how near he might have 
come to an honorable rivalry with him. He was 
ordained as an evangelist, October 9th, 1855, but only 
preached occasionally. 

Hence when Mr. Hammond assumed the principalship 
of Monson Academy in 1844, it was with the high aim to 
do the very best in his power in the profession which he had 
chosen for his life-work. He became a great admirer of 
Thomas Arnold, the distinguished head -master of the 
Rugby school in old England. There were just beginning 
to develop in his own character the same classical spirit, 
the same noble enthusiasm, and the same historic taste 
which Arnold possessed. Probably he saw his Rugby at 
Monson. He found the school in a very depressed condi- 
tion. For forty years the building had borne, without 
important repairs, the buffetings of the storms without and 
the busy and sometimes mischievous life within. The 
return of Mr. Hammond was signalized by a complete ren- 
ovation, and a large increase of apparatus in the English 
department. The attendance upon the school had sunk 
very low, competing institutions at no great distance, had 
made large drafts on its former patronage. But the people 
of the town rallied to the support of their school. Confi- 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 5 

dent in the abilities and character of their preceptor whom 
they had long known, they nobly resolved to hold their 
own and not allow an institution which had so well served 
the town, the country, the state and the nation, to be 
eclipsed. The efforts of the trustees, teachers, and citizens 
were attended with the most gratifying success. The tide 
soon turned ; the attendance in the English department 
rose to a higher point than it had ever before attained, 
while the number of graduates in the classical department 
steadily increased from two in 1845, to eighteen in 1852. 
Mr. Hammond tells us that during these years his "policy 
was shaped by the constant and unremitting endeavor to 
solve successfully the problem whether Monson Academy 
could be made to live and thrive as a classical institution, 
and as such to subserve, not merely the educational inter- 
ests of the town, but of all that part of New England not 
within the proper limits and influence of other classical 
schools of established reputation." Among the rival insti- 
tutions with which Monson Academy had to contend were 
the Williston Seminary at Easthampton, Mt. Holyoke Semi- 
nary for young ladies, the coeducational institutions at 
Wilbraham and Suffield, and numerous high schools which 
were springing up in the vicinity. Hence, it is natural 
that a broader field with ample resources should present 
great attractions to such an enthusiastic and aspiring- 
educator as Mr. Hammond. In 1852 the preceptorship of 
Lawrence Academy at Groton, Mass., became vacant and 
the trustees offered the position to the successful teacher 
at Monson. The actual and prospective promise at Groton, 
to an enterprising scholar, was not surpassed by that of 
any institution in the state. The result of the negotia- 
tions between Mr. Hammond and the trustees at Groton 
was his appointment to the preceptorship in 1852 and his 
removal thither in 1853. He brought with him the valu- 
able experience of his previous career, together with his 
great energy and enthusiasm in his work. Here for eleven 
years he remained in the successful prosecution of his 
task. His preceptorship at Groton was the longest contin- 
uous term of service that this academy had received. 



6 SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

We have now to notice what rarely occurs in the life of 
any public servant. Twice we have already seen him 
called to the preceptorship of Monson. We have now to 
notice the beginning of a third term, longer than the sum 
of the two preceding, and which was to tenninate only 
with his life. The funds of Monson Academy had always 
been limited. It had always lived and flourished more by 
its good behavior than by the strength of its pecuniary 
foundation. In 1863 its resources had become so narrow 
that it was found necessary to close the school for a time 
and gather strength for a higher flight. The return of Mr. 
Hammond in 1845 had been characterized by a great 
revival in interest and increase in the means of the school. 
His return in 1863 was still more marked in these respects. 
The building was so transformed that no trace of the 
original structure remained; ten thousand dollars were 
added to the permanent fund of the institution, and the 
apparatus was enlarged by the expenditure of eleven hun- 
dred dollars; and last and greatest, it would seem, by the 
presence of the teacher who had gained their confidence, 
and whose leadership they seemed to regard as essential to 
success. With this emphatic expression of confidence and 
regard, Mr. Hammond entered upon his last fifteen years 
of teaching on the very spot where his academic life 
began thirty-two years before. 

During this term of service at Monson, Mr. Hammond 
became the educator of the first Chinese, and also the first 
Japanese students ever sent to America to be educated. 
Rev. Samnel Robbins Brown, a native of Monson and a 
missionary to China, was responsible for the sending over 
of both delegations, although they came at an interval of 
a number of years. One of the first of these Chinese 
pupils, which were under the personal supervision of Mr. 
Hammond, was Yung Wing. He fitted for an American 
college, gained its diploma, and returned to his country- 
men resolved to replace by western science and western 
thought the obsolete civilization based upon the philoso- 
phy of Confucius. It was a bold enterprise, but it was sue- 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 7 

cessful, and in the wake of his influence, and by the light 
of his example, scores of his countrymen have found their 
way to our schools and colleges. And afterward that 
lonely boy, ripened into a broad Christian manhood, in 
company with another of his race, from the same teacher 
and the same school, became a mediator between the 
oldest and the youngest of nations, between sunrise and 
sunset, and for many years moved in the highest circles of 
diplomacy at Washington. This man, the Hon. Yung 
Wing, thus speaks of his old teacher : " I found in Mr. 
Hammond a strong friend from first to last. I recall him 
with feelings of admiration as a noble man in every sense 
of the word. His voice was clear and sonorous, and every 
tone of it was filled with a deep sympathy, flowing 
naturally from a great heart. He had a highly cultivated 
mind, and his thoughts were those of a strong man. His 
taste for everything that is beautiful in art, nature and lit- 
erature was highly cultivated, and he was peculiarly gifted 
to inspire his pupils with noble aspirations, and to instill 
into them a love of the truth." 

The work which Mr. Hammond did for Yung Wing, and 
for his Chinese and Japanese associates, was in no respect 
different in kind from what he did for every boy and girl 
who came under his tuition. Send a few educated and 
high-souled youths to China and Japan, and those ancient 
despotisms begin to crumble and teem with new life. 
They appear great by contrast. Send the same to an 
enlightened state, and they blend so quietly with its 
higher life that they almost escape notice. 

Mr. Hammond was built on a large plan in every way, 
physically, intellectually and morally. His face and figure 
would attract attention in any circle. Those large physi- 
cal proportions, massive head, and most expressive face, 
marked a man of princely intellect and noble heart. His 
frank and genial manners were the natural language of his 
nature, without the slightest trace of art. His social 
qualities were of the very best; open and accessible to 
all, he was a capital talker, and, what is still more rare, 



8 SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

an equally good listener. He was always ready to 
instruct and no less earnest to be instructed. He 
appeared to g-reat advantage in social discussion and 
never more so than when he encountered a vigorous and 
healthy opposition. He had in large measure, the qualities 
which we sometimes call magnetic in their influence. 
His emotional nature was one of great richness and 
strength. His love was fervent and his friendships choice 
and permanent. Sometimes the quiet smile would light up 
his eyes and spread over his countenance like sunshine over 
the hills, or some stronger wave of feeling would break 
into the quiet, hearty laugh in which his whole body took 
a part, and in which the whole company, moved by conta- 
gion, joined. Then again the shadows would gather, deep 
shadows, sometimes like the shades seen settling over the 
forests of pines. Indeed his countenance in repose as seen 
in some of the pictures of him, had the tender mournful 
look of one who often felt the force of mental depression. 
It is impossible to tell why but it is true that many young 
men and women of large intellect and strong emotions 
have felt an undertow of unaccountable melancholy. 

Mr. Hammond always cherished a tender regard for his 
native town. He loved its hills and speaks of looking at 
them from other places as upon the " Delectable Moun- 
tains." The clear song of the woodland thrush which he 
heard there, always thrilled his soul. He became intensely 
interested in the stories of the early settlers of the place, 
and began while still a young man, to gather the informa- 
tion concerning the history of the town which has devel- 
oped into the present work. The reciprocal attachment 
between him and his native town continued through life. 
When the people of Union repaired and dedicated their 
meeting-house, it was Mr. Hammond who was summoned 
to preach the sermon; if they were to celebrate the fourth 
of July, Mr. Hammond was their orator; if Tolland County 
would celebrate the great centennial of 1776, it must be 
with a profusion of antiquarian and historical lore which 
Mr. Hammond alone could furnish. When the trustees of 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 9 

Monson Academy would celebrate their semi-centennial 
anniversary, they recalled Mr. Hammond from Groton to 
review its history. When the trustees at Groton would 
dedicate their new academy building, they sent to Monson 
for Mr. Hammond to come and teach them the history of 
academic education in New England. And when the shot 
of the assassin destroyed the nation's chief magistrate, the 
people of Monson, forgetting sect and party, rushed to the 
swelling heart and eloquent lips of their preceptor to find 
utterance for their grief and righteous indignation. These 
facts show how strongly his character impressed itself 
wherever it had been felt, and that the close of official rela- 
tions was no hindrance to the continued exercise of love 
and friendship; the man remained after the teacher had 
departed. But it was in his domestic life that the depth of 
his character is shown. A blow which almost wrecked his 
life was the loss of an only son in whom he had discovered 
"a salient, living spring of generous and manly action." 
This event, the death of his ten-year-old son Charles, took 
place July 26, 1866, the day after Mr. Hammond preached 
the rededicatory sermon at the church at Union. Into that 
sermon he threw his whole soul, and displayed how deep 
was his sympathy with the religious welfare of his native 
town. When he returned home to his son's bedside to see 
him die, his sorrow was overwhelming. He felt as though 
the storm had gone over him, and left him like a prostrate 
oak uprooted in the hurricane. He never fully recovered 
from the blow, and the last twelve years of his life were 
tinged by its effect. 

As a teacher Mr. Hammond was a thorough scholar, a 
patient worker, more distinguished for broad views, sound 
judgment and enlarged culture, than minuteness of drill. 
One of his pupils testifies, " Genial, energetic and 
thorough ; these are the words that must be used to charac- 
terize his manner in the classroom. If it were possible to 
awaken interest he developed it ; if any latent ability 
lurked in the nature of his pupils he stirred it to action. 
His prayers were earnest and devout, his reading of Scrip- 



lo SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

ture impressive and reverential. His power was that of a 
pure, cultivated and honest man. His prevailing mood was 
eminently cheerful, with no shading of frivolity. His 
smile was ever ready when a smile was appropriate ; and 
when occasion called for it, he was capable of a sternness 
which a recreant pupil would not readily provoke the sec- 
ond time. He was an excellent disciplinarian, although he 
was sometimes accused of too great austerity by those who 
did not fully understand his character." 

His personal interest in his pupils was intense. The 
poor boy fighting his way through poverty to get an 
education, found him a father as well as a teacher ; he 
poured out his money like water to aid such pupils. The 
last words that fell from his lips were a message to a 
deserving pupil, who was struggling for an education 
without money and without friends. 

Rev. R. H. Howard says of him: "Without a doubt, 
Mr. Hammond was one of the leading educators of the 
commonwealth. As a teacher, his specialty was classics. 
Think of the long line of young men which this royal 
teacher has fitted for college. Nor did ever a student sit 
at his feet that he did not put his impress on. He could 
invest minute linguistic details with such an interest as to 
inspire even the dullard with a passionate ardor for classi- 
cal pursuits. He was one of Nature's noblemen, as large 
hearted as he was large brained. Modest, simple, frank, 
generous to a fault ; self-sacrificing, devoted to his friends 
and kind, helpful and sympathetic towards all ; the very 
soul of candor, of honor and of truth ; no man more cor- 
dially abominated bigotry, meanness, or pretense than he, 
or more heartily appreciated real worth. * * * His 
commanding form only fittingly expressed the largeness 
of his manhood, the breadth of his liberality, and the 
power and urgency of his convictions. As to his methods 
and theories, whether as an educator, or in regard to 
social, political or religious matters, Mr. Hammond was 
conservative. The good old ways well worked, were good 
enough for him, not that he arbitrarily or unreasonably 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. n 

repelled all new things. He was not by any means averse 
to true progress. He felt inclined, however, to make haste 
very slowly." The same writer speaks of the fine human- 
ity in Mr. Hammond, which was illustrated on one 
occasion when he sat " a whole hour and that when other 
duties were pressing, and late in the evening, engaged 
with a youth who had applied for admission to the 
academy, and who was extremely anxious to succeed, 
gently leading him to a full realization of what was at a 
glance only too obvious to the examiner — his utter unfit- 
ness as yet for such a promotion. And then, when at 
length the disappointed child burst into tears, the fatherly 
tenderness with which the great teacher soothed, and 
encouraged the boy not to despond, but by and by try 
again, was touching and beautiful indeed." 

Mr. Hammond was closely identified with the educa- 
tional interests of the state. He was one of the founders of 
the Massachusetts State Teachers' Association, and was one 
of its officers in some line of service continuously till his 
death. He attended punctually the meetings, took an 
active part in its deliberations and discussions, reading 
many able papers before that society. 

Mr. Hammond had a library of great value, into which 
he put a large share of his surplus earnings. It contained 
many rare books, valuable because of their rarity, and 
many valuable pamphlets. 

Mr. Hammond received the honorary degree of LL. D., 
in 1877, from Iowa College. 

In vSeptember, 1878, he entered upon his last academic 
year, with the expectation and purpose that it should be 
his last year of teaching. He had taught thirty-six years, 
and was hoping for a peaceful retirement in a green old 
age, with leisure in which to complete the history of his 
native town. This plan he had long cherished, and had 
been gathering the material for that purpose throughout 
many years. What a pity that his plan could not have 
been carried out ! His ripe culture, his skill as a writer, 
his whole-souled love for his native town, his familiarity 



12 SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

with many of its people, and the impressions of its his- 
tory which he carried in mind, all fitted him far bet- 
ter than any one else to be its historian. It is safe to say 
that the work which he would have left behind him would 
have been of interest, not only to those who were person- 
ally connected with the town, but to the general literary 
public as well. But his fond hopes were not to be realized. 
A few weeks after the beginning of the term he was pros- 
trated by a capricious and treacherous disease — that of the 
kidneys. He rallied for a time, so far as to leave his 
chamber, go down to his library for a few hours, and gaze 
upon the volumes through which he had so long com- 
muned with the wise and good of every country and of 
every age. 

The feelings of that hour can only be imagined by one 
who has witnessed his love for books, — who has seen him 
unconsciously clasp to his bosom a choice new volume, 
with the same warmth with which he would grasp the 
hand of a friend. 

But he was soon satisfied that all that remained for him 
to do was to set his house in order, and be in readiness for 
the summons; and this he did with the firmness of a man 
and the faith of a Christian. He suffered much for several 
weeks, and the light of reason was for a time clouded. 
The ruling passion was strong in death. Gathering the 
poor remains of his wasted strength with a resolute effort, 
he gave a message of love for a beloved pupil, and as the 
words left his lips he passed away, November 7th, 1878, to 
a higher service, in a nearer presence, and with ransomed 
powers. 

His funeral rites were solemnized with that simplicity 
and tenderness which befitted his character. His friend 
and classmate, Dr. I. N. Tarbox, told the story of his life 
and drew the lessons which it taught. Rev. John W. 
Harding, of Longmeadow, one of the trustees of Monson 
Academy, spoke of his long and faithful services to the 
academy. There was a large audience of students, grad- 
uates from the institution, friends from abroad, and towns- 



SKETCH PF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 13 

people, gathered to pay the last tribute of respect and 
affection to the man they had known and loved so well. 
The trustees of the academy to which he had come as a 
pupil forty-seven years before, and which he had served as 
preceptor a quarter of a century, followed by mourning 
friends and reverent pupils, old and young, bore him to 
his grave, to rest where his work was done. 

The Rev. John W. Harding, of Longmeadow, has kindly 
furnished for the history the following reminiscences of 
Mr. Hammond : 

My memories of Mr. Hammond date back to the period 
of his graduation from the Yale Theological School. 
While an under-graduate in the college, I got from his 
personal friends and class mates the impression that he 
was a superior man and particularly so in his chaste and 
elegant use of good English. He was rated highly as a 
good writer and belle-lettres scholar. Becoming quite 
well acquainted with him during his later occupancy of 
the principalship of Monson Academy, my early impres- 
sions were thoroughly confirmed. He possessed a fine 
mastery of expression, enhanced in point of beauty and 
strength by his enthusiastic study of the Latin and Greek 
classics. As an educator, the forte in which he achieved 
his largest distinction, he was eminently successful. Not 
so much however by dint of accurate scholarship, and the 
advantage of communicating well what he knew, as by his 
grand personality. His massive frame, broad shoulders, 
superb head and ponderous stride were matched by a 
lustrous and penetrating eye, now revealing deep wells of 
thought, and anon twinkling with a subtle humor. His 
mobile mouth, whether firmly compressed, or wreathed 
with smiles never suggested an approach to weakness or 
vacuity. He was in every point of view a large pattern of 
a man, but without the least apparent consciousness of it. 
Totally destitute of any affected dignity, he was charming 
in a grand simplicity that made him become even as a 
little child in the guileless transparency through which 



14 SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 

shone his great heart. How intense were his affections, 
was touchingly revealed in the crushing sorrow that fol- 
lowed the loss of his young son in whom were fondly 
garnered his longing expectations. In teaching his boys 
and especially the class fitting for college, he gave to 
them richly out of the fullness of his delicate perception 
and enthusiastic appreciation of whatsoever was good and 
beautiful and true. United with his warm affection was a 
quick and tender conscience and a high sense of honor. 
Such educators possessing his inspiring and magnetic 
quality are few. He deserves to be classed with Thomas 
Arnold of Rugby, and Osgood Johnson, or Samuel Taylor, 
of Andover. The testimony of his pupils who have 
achieved success in the higher walks of life is his best 
eulogy. They might forget his words, they never forgat 
him. Through all their after years their hearts went 
back to Monson or to Groton to thank him who so attuned 
their souls to finer issues and lifted for them the standard 
of a true manhood. 

In the pulpit he loved to handle such deep themes as 
the book of Job. His sermons were too ponderous with 
thought for the camp meeting, but delightsome to the fit 
audience though few of elect thinkers. 

It was not in his chosen profession merely that he 
became a power. The community not only of educators, 
but of churches and pastors and all good citizens who 
knew him, were touched by his pervasive and uncon- 
scious influence. Although separated from him by the 
space of many miles my knowledge of him was a constant 
help and inspiration. His fellow townsmen were toned 
up to a nobler public spirit by his presence. The savor of 
his good name lifted many into a higher atmosphere of 
social, civic and spiritual life. 

JOHN W. HARDING. 
LoNGMEADOw, September 3, 1892. 



SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES HAMMOND. 



LIST OF PUBLICATIONS BY DR. HAMMOND. 



15 



1. American Puritanism, New Englander, July, 1843. 

2. Ebenezer Porter Mason, New Englander, July, 1845. 

3. Common Schools and their relation to Higher Semi- 
naries, New Englander, July, 1848. 

4. New England Academies and Classical Schools. 
[Introduction to a History of Incorporated Academies pro- 
jected by Heniy Barnard in 1852 and printed in the Amer- 
ican Journal of Education 1866, and in the Circular of 
Commissioner of Education, in 1867.] 

5. Historical Discourse at the Semi-Centennial Anniver- 
sar}^ of Monson Acadetny, July, 1854. 

6. Address at Re-Dedication of Monson Academy, July 
12, 1864. 

7. History of Groton Academy, Barnard's Journal of 
Education, 1856. 

8. Sermon on the Life and Character of Abraham Lin- 
coln, Preached at Monson, June i, 1865. 

9. Sermon preached at the Re-Dedication of the Church 
at Union, Conn., July 25, 1866. 

10. History of Monson Academy, Barnard's Journal of 
Education, 1867. 

11. Address at the Re-Dedication of Lawrence Acade- 
my, June 29, 187 1. 

12. History of Phillips Academy at Andover. Report 
of Secretary of Mass. Board of Education, 1875-6. 

13. Our County History. An Oration delivered at Tol- 
land, Conn., Tolland County Press, July 4, 1876. 

14. Address at the Centennial Reunion, at Lake Masha- 
paug, in Union, Conn., Tolland County Press, and South- 
bridge Journal, August 30, 1876. 

15. The Good Pastor. A Sermon preached at the Fune- 
ral of Rev. Abram Marsh, at Tolland, Conn., September 4, 
1877. 

16. Mashapaug Lake and the Surrounding Region. An 
Address delivered at Union, Conn., Tolland County Press, 
July 4, 1878. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

INTERESTING CHARACTER — SIZE BOUNDARIES ELEVATION 

BALD HILL OTHER HILLS — MASHAPAUG LAKE CELEBRA- 
TIONS HELD HERE — SUMMER RESORTS WATER-SHEDS IN 

UNION THE BREAKNECK REGION CAT ROCKS ROADS IN 

UNION — FORESTS PLANTS AND BIRDS. 

THERE is no town in this region which is so interest- 
ing from a physical point of view as Union. Its 
high hills and low valleys, its rocks and precipices, its 
beautiful lakes and streams, and its extensive forests, all 
combine to make it a delightful locality for the lover of 
nature. 

The town is a trifle over five miles in width on the 
north side and about seven on the south. The western 
boundary is about five and a quarter miles in length and 
the eastern a little less than five miles. The area of the 
town is thirty and a fifth square miles. 

Union is bounded on the north by Wales, Holland and 
Sturbridge, on the east by Woodstock, on the south by 
Eastford and Ashford, and on the west by Stafford. 

One peculiarity of this region is its comparative eleva- 
tion. Union is the highest town in the state east of the 
Connecticut river. Streams flow from its hills into every 
border town. It is sometimes said in disparagement that 
this town is out of the world. It is truly out of and above the 
common level of other places. Surely it is no discredit to 
the people of this town if they do really live a little nearer 
heaven than any of their neighbors. 

The highest eminence in town and in this part of the 
state is Bald hill, which rises to the height of 1,286 feet 
above sea level. The view from its summit is perfectly 
panoramic. It extends in every direction to a remote hor- 



MAP 

OF THE TOWN OF 

UNION 

DRAWN EXPRESSLY FOR 




BALD HILL. 



17 



izon, like that at sea or on a western prairie. On the east 
the eye ranges far beyond the Quinnebatig, with its source 
in Mashapaug Lake, through all its windings, far down 
towards its confluence with the Shetucket at Norwich, to 
form the Thames. On the west the vale of the Williman- 
tic is traced to its connection with the Bigelow, while far 
beyond is the broad valley of the Connecticut, limited by 
the mountains of Litchfield and Berkshire. The northern 
prospect is defined by Wachusett, Monadnock, and the 
mountains of southern Vermont. On the south a large 
part of the territory of eastern Connecticut is in sight. 
A hundred steeples are said to be visible on a clear day, 
but in such a locality the arithmetic is not apt to be 
accurate. 

The following account of Bald hill is from the pen of 
Rev. S. L Curtiss : 

"Of the several prominent hills in Union, Bald hill is, in many- 
respects, the most noted. Stickney hill, about a mile northeast, opens 
to view a grand prospect of the surrounding country. Perhaps more 
can be seen from every point of the compass than from Bald hill, but 
Bald hill has become the most distinguished and celebrated of all the 
hills in Union or vicinity. It is easy of ascent on the north and south 
sides. It slopes on the north to the road to Staffordville, spotted here 
and there all the way to the summit with bare rocks just above the 
ground from which, perhaps, it derives its name. The south slope is 
covered with woods to the road leading to Stafford Springs. On this 
side is a road to the summit which makes it easy of access. Those who 
have been upon the top of the hill in a cloudless morning, when the 
atmosphere was without haze, to look upon the rising sun as it sent its 
rays upon the expansive scenery before them, say that it was of surpass- 
ing loveliness. The prospect from the summit is on a magnificent scale. 
In a clear atmosphere there are many villages and churches to be seen 
with the naked eye The hill sides and tops before you covered with 
forests, gradually rising one above another in the distance, dotted here 
and there with clearings, farm houses and villages, form a picturesque 
landscape captivating to the eye, and expanding to the mind. Bald hill 
has been honored above all other hills for many miles distant as better 
located from which, in connection with Mts. Tom and JMonadnock, to 
take a survey of the seacoast in the direction of New London, and 
onward to meet other surveys which had been made by men appointed 
for this purpose by the general government. The surveyors ^ere upon 
the summit of Bald hill at different times for two or three years, just 



1 8 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

before the late war, making surveys. The second time the company of 
surveyors with their attendants and famiUes to the number of thirty or 
more, came with their equipments and spent five or six weeks in the 
prosecution of their important business. At this time of observation 
there were two other points manned, one in Massachusetts and tlie other 
in New Hampshire, that an accurate survey of all the angles on the coast 
might be made. From these several points communication was made 
•with each other by signals. The company on Bald hill used a theodo- 
lite (one of the best in the United States) which took from four to six 
men to operate. With this instrument sight could be taken a hundred 
miles or more. After this manner an accurate survey of the seacoast 
was made upon all the Atlantic shore, of the land and water, and mapped 
out, which was a special benefit in time of war, and will be useful to our 
■commerce in all time to come." 

To the north of Bald hill is Stickney, so named from 
an Amos Stickney who lived near its summit in the early 
history of the town. It rises to a height of 1220 feet. To 
the north of this the summit of the range west of Union 
meeting-house has an altitude of 1200 feet. (These figures 
are from the recent U. S. topographical survey). In the 
east part of town the highest points are the Coye hill, and 
Walker mountain, about a mile south of it. These are 
both 1040 feet high. From the summit of Coye hill, a 
magnificent view of the surrounding country can be 
obtained. To the northeast are Charlton and Dudley. 
To the east the Baptist meeting-house at West Woodstock 
looms up prominently, while beyond are the hills of Wood- 
stock, and of Thompson in the distant horizon. In the 
southeast the view stretches away to Pomfret, Brooklyn 
and Eastf ord. From the north brow of the hill (a point a few 
rods southwest of Milton Underwoods's place), a splendid 
view can be obtained of the northeast section of town. 
From that point Breakneck mountain appears with its 
southern front bold, steep and deep. - On its left side 
Mashapaug Lake appears spread out in its length and 
breadth. At the foot of the mountain is a gorge which 
can be traced towards the northeast where a glimpse of 
Breakneck pond appears in its deep seclusion as it rests in 
its cradle of rocky ravines. At the south this gorge runs 
into the Bigelow valley with the pond lying at the foot of 



3IA8EAPA UG LAKE. 



19 



the steep slopes. Bigelow pond lies about thirty feet 
below Mashapaug, and were it not for the base of the 
mountain between, the waters of Mashapaug would rush 
down upon it in an overwhelming flood. 

Beyond these lakes to the north lie the hills and fields 
of Sturbridge, Holland, Brimfield and Brookfield, while in 
the blue distance the solid form of Mt. Wachusett looms 
up against the horizon. From the west side of the Coye 
hill can be seen the center of the town with Bald hill, 
Stickney, and the hills north rising up against the sky, 
while the deep valley of Bigelow 400 feet below, separates 
the observer from the central section of town. The eleva- 
tions of various other places in town are as follows : 

David Newell's, loio feet ; Union meeting-house, 980 
feet ;* Lead-mine hill, 1130 feet ; Foster school-house, 
1020 feet ; Henry Booth's, 1000 feet ; Jonathan Upham's, 
940 feet ; ^lashapaug pond, 690 feet ; Breakneck pond, 665 
feet ; Breakneck mountain, 990 feet ; Bigelow pond, 660 
feet ; E. N. Lawson's, 920 feet. 

Mashapaug Lake, the largest in this vicinity, is about 
a mile in length and averages half a mile in width. Its 
size and capacit}^ have been greatly increased by build- 
ing the dam and iising it as a reservoir. The Indian 
word, Mashapaug, means g}-eat zvater. There are two 
ponds of the same name in Massachusetts, one at 
Sharon and the other at Groton, also one at Killingly, 
Conn. This Indian word in both its parts was spelled 
varioush' by the English. The word pang — also written 
pog,poag, bog, boag, and bai/g — is the termination of many 
names of ponds, lakes and streams in New England, and is 
a generic word meaning water, though applied more com- 
monly to ponds than to streams. The prefix spelled 
Alaska, Massa, and Alassi, signifies large or great. It is 
found in the word Massachusetts, which signifies great 
mountain, and was the Indian name of the Blue hills in 
Milton and of the tribe of Indians who lived in the 
vicinity. The word Quinnebaug means long water. Connec- 
ticut was by the early colonists often spelled Quifmecticut 
and means lo?ig river. 



20 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

The land along the northern shore of the lake consists 
of a light, sandy soil, of easy cultivation. Upon this many 
Indian relics have been discovered, such as stone arrow 
heads, spear heads, and tomahawks. Mr. Herbert Smith 
has a fine collection of these. Their discovery proves 
that the plains around the lake were once inhabited by the 
Nipnet Indians, a powerful tribe, who before King Phil- 
ip's war ruled all the region of the upper Quinnebaug 
valley. There is a tradition of an interesting legend 
which the Indians had concerning Mashapaug Lake and 
the small precipitous island near its north end. 

Dr. George N. Lavvson has incorporated this in a poem, 
which we give : 

MASHAPAUG. 

Up among the hills of Union 
Lies a lake of sparkling water. 
Mashapaug, the Indians called it, 
Quinnebaug they named the outlet. 

Near the lake the Indian warrior, 
Seated in his dusky wigwam, 
With his camptire blazing near him. 
With the young braves seated round him, 

Used to tell a strange tradition 
Which his fathers told before him, 
Which his sons should teach their children, 
As they sat round future campfires. 

Once, in days long since forgotten 
Save in stories of old warriors. 
In the place where now the water 
Pictures the surrounding forest, 



Stood a mountain high and rocky, 
With its summit clad in pine trees. 
Near its foot a little stream ran, 
Swift and sparkling down the hillside. 

By this stream there lived a people, 
Once a powerful warlike nation; 
But their strength had now departed, 
And their warriors were like women. 



INDIAN TRADITION 

For they loved their feast and revel 
More than warfare, more than hunting; 
They were cowardly in combat, 
And they feared not the Great Spirit. 

And their queen, the young Nokemo, 
Fairest of the Indian maidens, 
Ruled them not as wise queens govern, 
But she led them in their feasting. 

Near the summit of the mountain 
Dwelt the prophetess Nakentis, 
An old woman full of wisdom 
Gathered through her eighty winters. 

Her the mighty spirit honored 
With the secrets of the future; 
Secrets which the night-owl taught her; 
Secrets which she read in storm clouds. 

Many times had fair Nokemo 
Visited the strange old woman; 
Many questions had she asked her 
Of the future of her people. 

But Nakentis gave her only 
One reply to all her questions, 
Saying, " The Great Spirit tells me 
That his anger has been growing; 

" And his anger is not fruitless; 
It is ripe and full of poison 
Which will kill out wicked people, 
And will show that he is powerful. 

"When a swan shall sing his death song, 
Sinking from the sky above you, 
Falling at your feet and dying, 
Then comes vengeance swift and mighty. 

But the beautiful Nokemo 
Paid no heed to old Nakentis; 
Still her people grew more wicked, 
Still she led them in their feasting. 

Once Nokemo in October, 
When the ash was tinged with yellow, 
And the maple dyed with crimson, 
Made a feast for all her people. 



PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

Venison she had provided, 
Fish and nuts with corn just ripened; 
Many other things they brought her, 
Filled her lodge with food of all kinds. 

Then their festal hres were kindled 
Half way up the leaf strewn mountain, 
And the older women gathered, 
Eager to prepare the banquet. 

But the youths and maidens gathered 
In a glen among the pine trees, 
There to dance and sing and wanton, 
Led on bj' the fair Nokemo. 

Thus they reveled through the whole day. 
Wildly cursing the Great Spirit; 
Till they gather round Nokemo, 
Listening to this song she sang them: 

" Life is like a river rolling 
Swift and silent to the ocean. 
We are like the warriors sailing 
In their light canoes of birch bark. 

" Some glide smoothly down the river. 
Joyous in their lives' bright sunshine. 
Some are toiling up the current, 
Weary with the work'of rowing. 

" But the end to which we hasten. 
The great hunting ground of nations, 
Can be gained by floating downward. 
Can be reached hy toiling upward. 

" How much better then, my people, 
That we make the easier vo3'age; 
Let us feast and dance and revel. 
Revel as our boat glides down slream." 

As Nokemo ceased her singing, 
Suddenly the sky grew darker. 
Thunder rumbled in the distance, 
And the wind roared through the forest. 

Then between the peals of thunder. 
Louder than the tempest's raging. 
Heard they old Nakentis chanting 
Wildly from the crag above them : 



INDIAN TRADITION. 

' ' See the hour of wrath approaching ! 
See the dragons in those storm clouds ! 
Hear the Mighty Spirit speaking 
Words of anger in his thunder ! 

" See the fated bird approaching 
From the blackness of the tempest ! 
O my people ! O Xokemo ! 
Too far down stream have you floated ! " 

Then a sharper crash of thunder 
Answered this wild hymn of warning, 
And between the high pine branches 
Sank a bird of snowy plumage. 

Then the rocks began to tremble, 
And the ground to heave and open; 
How the thunder pealed above them ! 
How the lightning flashed around them ! 

Then came hurrying and screaming ; 
Maidens clung to helpless brothers; 
Some rushed one way, some another, 
Some fell fainting in their terror. 

But Nokemo made no inotion, 
Save to turn her eyes to heaven. 
There she sat in wreaths of gentians, 
As her youthful friends had crowned her. 

When she saw the swan descending 
From the sky where all was blackness, 
Sinking at her feet and dying, 
Then she thought of old Nakentis. 

Then she thought of all her evil, 
How she had not helped her people, 
When she should have been their guardiau; 
And she clasped her hands in anguish. 

And the mountain with its people 
Sank. And round its grinding edges 
Poured up water in great torrents. 
Rolling everything beneath it. 

Thus the mountain with its warriors. 
With its sunshine, with its shadows, 
All were buried in the waters 
Save the pious old Xakentis. 



23 



24 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

She stood on the very summit, 
With her hands stretch'd toward the tempest, 
And the sunken mountain left her 
Standing on an island praying. 

Thus was Mashapaug created. 

And the fisher oft at sunset, 

When the light shines through the water, 

Sees beneath him trees and wigwams. 

And at eve they see Nakentis 
With a torch glide o'er the meadows, 
Seeking for her wayward people, 
Seeking for her lost Nokemo. 

Besides this ancient legend, there is a tragic story con- 
nected with the lake in more recent times. On Aiigitst 14, 
1840, four men, Lothrop Moore, Whiting Moore, Justus 
Bugbee and David Ames, were fishing toward the north 
end in a light boat. Somehow a hole was made in the bot- 
tom of the boat, through which the water began to pour 
■up. Three of the men became frightened and jumped 
overboard to swim ashore. But Whiting Moore remained 
in the boat and thrust his coat in the hole. He alone was 
saved; the other three were drowned. Others have been 
drowned in the lake besides these. One of them was a 11- 
year-old boy, Otis Merriam, who was drowned July 17, 
1803. 

There are two groves on the shores of Mashapaug Lake, 
which are used for picnics, camping, and summer resorts. 
One of these at the south end of the lake has long been 
owned and conducted by Major Smith. There he has enter- 
tained picnics and excursion parties innumerable, and 
given shelter and food to the camper and fisherman. A 
large hotel building accommodates boarders or transients. 
At this grove have been held several notable celebrations. 
The celebration of the Temperance Society, July 4th, 
1853, on which occasion Rev. Charles Hammond delivered 
an interesting and patriotic address on the Revolution and 
the part Union bore in it, was held just north of the dam. 
This address was published in pamphlet form. On August 



CELEBRATION AT MASHAPAUG. 25 

30th, 1876, a great centennial was held at Smith's grove. A 
large concourse of the present and former inhabitants of 
the town gathered on this occasion and listened to a long 
discourse by Mr. Hammond, on the " History of Union." 
This was published in the Tolland Comity Press and the 
Southbridge Jouriml. The town of Union was the only one 
in the vicinity which carried out the idea of the proper 
observance of the nation's centenary, in accordance with 
President Grant's recommendation. The gathering was 
noticeable in that it numbered all the elderly people in the 
town as well as called home so many of the sons of Union 
now residing elsewhere. Upon the platform besides the 
president of the day, Hon. William M. Corbin, and the vice- 
presidents, vSamuel W. Moore, and George D. Colburn, 
were many aged and prominent men of the town, includ- 
ing Ezra Horton, aged 83 years, the oldest man in town, 
Benjamin Corbin, aged 82, Capt. Chauncey Paul, aged 79, 
David Lawson, aged 76, who had a most retentive memory 
and who probably had more of Union's local history at 
command than any man living except Mr. Hammond, and 
who was of great service to the latter in making his collec- 
tion of facts; Ichabod T. Upham, Rev. S. I. Curtiss, Trenclc 
Crawford, Newman Bugbee, Elijah Severy, and A. A. Wales, 
all upwards of 70. All these old men have now passed 
away. Among the guests from out of town were D. P. 
Corbin of Hartford; Philip Corbin of New Britain, and 
his son Hezekiah; Francis Hammond of Niles, Michi- 
gan, brother of the orator of the day; D wight Craw- 
ford of Wisconsin; Burt Crawford of Woodstock, and 
Mrs. Eleazar Corbin of Philadelphia, children of Samuel 
Crawford; Robert B. and Marvin K. Paul of Geneseo, 
Illinois; Wells Moore and Samuel Needham of Monson; 
Healy Corbin of Brimfield; Louisa and Rachel Foster 
of Ellington; Jared Horton, of Albany, N. Y., son of 
Ezra Horton; J. Henry Herman and wife of Boston; 
Calvin I. Thompson and wife of Somers; O. T. Crawford 
of Worcester, and W. M. Crawford of Stafford Springs, 
sons of Trenck Crawford; Hon. Sabin H. Wales of New 



26 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

York, a native of Wales, Mass., but of Union ancestry; Lee 
Blanchard of Monson; Dr. Silas F. Lindsley of Dudley, 
Mass.; Rev. John W. Allen of North A¥oodstock, son of 
President Allen of Bowdoin College; Ossian Crawford of 
Wales; Lucius Bugbee, Springfield; Wm. Bugbee, Monson; 
Elisha Kinney, Holland; Horace Kinney, Stafford; Harri- 
son Horton, Woodstock; Clinton Lawson, Southbridge; 
Sessions Estabrooks, Webster; Lucius Agard, Brimfield; 
Stephen Agard, Holland; Miner Corbin, Brimfield; Charles 
Corbin, Wilbraham; Rev. George Curtiss and Mrs. Lucy 
Foster of Harwinton, Conn.; Edward Chamberlain, Wood- 
stock; L. A. Snow, Woonsocket, R. L; Albert Belknap, 
Southbridge; Elijah Shaw, Wales; Dea. H. Haynes, Stur- 
bridge; Nathan and Albert Morse, Ezra Ma}^, G. C. Will- 
iams, West Woodstock; Elijah Fairman, Rufus Weston and 
many others. Most of these were accompanied by their 
families. 

The exercises were opened by prayer offered by Rev. S. 
L Curtiss. Following this was an address of welcome by 
Geo. D. Colburn, who in a few well chosen words welcomed 
all to Union's centenary reunion. Following this came the 
address, dinner and after-dinner speeches, making it an 
occasion long to be remembered. Two years later July 
4th, 1878, Mr. Hammond made an address here on "Mash- 
apaug Lake, and the Surrounding Region," which was 
printed in the Tolland County Fress, and portions of which 
are incorporated in this chapter. 

The other summer resort is on " the island " at the 
north end of the lake near the dam. Hartley Walker 
owned the grove here for several years. About 1889 Mr. 
Alvardo Howard of Stafford Springs, bought the property 
and has since improved it by building a number of neat 
and pretty cottages, a hotel, named the " Mayflower," a 
barn, sheds, etc. The name of '' Mayland Park " has been 
given to the place and it is becoming very popular espe- 
cially among the people of Stafford, Southbridge and vicini- 
ties. A drive has been made around the "island," and a 
road leads off from this over the little dam coming out on 



OUTLETS OF MA81IAPAUG. 27 

the road which leads to Smith's grove. The attractions of 
Mayland Park are strong ones which will ever keep it in 
high favor as a place to spend a summer outing. The lake 
affords fine fishing, and to row upon it is always a pleasure, 
the many islands and ba5's ever opening new vistas of 
scenery. A place which visitors delight to visit is the 
" Ravine " below the dam at the south end, along the 
stream which leads to Bigelow. Here on the east side is a 
precipitous cliff, with the jutting rocks in the deep shade 
covered with ferns. It is a very attractive place to one 
who loves to be alone with Nature. 

Mashapaug Lake is very interesting in this respect, that 
it has two outlets. The main one at the north end forms 
the Quinnebaug, which, after flowing through Holland, 
Sturbridge, and Southbridge in Massachusetts, turns south 
and becomes the east tributary to the Thames at Norwich. 
The other outlet is at the south end where, when the pond 
is full, the water flows down through a rocky gorge into 
the Bigelow pond. Thence it flows on in the Bigelow to 
unite with Still river to form the Nauchaug. The latter 
by a junction with the Willimantic forms the Shetucket 
which flows into the Quinnebaug at Norwich and then the 
united waters flow to the Sound in the broad channel of 
the Thames. Thus we see how streams from the same lake 
become separated and at times are thirty miles or more 
apart, but become reunited before reaching the sea. This 
shows the elevated character of the region. Similar phe- 
nomena are noticeable all over town. In fact Union is a 
region of water-sheds. The water flows down the west 
side of Breakneck mountain into Mashapaug, down the 
east side into Breakneck, thence northward by Break- 
neck brook to the Quinnebaug at Westville, and on 
the south side into Bigelow. At the Newell place 
the water runs down west of the house into the Center 
brook which empties into M'ashapaug mill-pond, east 
into Gulf brook which flows into the Bigelow towards the 
south part of town, and south into the stream which runs 
into Bushmeadow brook and past Kinney's mills into the 



2 8 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

Bigelow a little farther south. The west side of Bald and 
Stickney hills are drained by Roaring brook which empties 
into the Willimantic, and the east side by Bushmeadow 
brook. 

Coye hill is a water-shed between the Bigelow basin on 
the west and that of Still river on the east. The latter 
flows through Kenyonville and Eastford village and unites 
with the Bigelow below Phenixville, to form the Nauchaug. 
At the four corners near Fayette Crawford's, the water 
flows north into Breakneck, west into Bigelow, and south 
into vStill river. West of the S. W. Moore place there is a 
water-shed between the Roaring brook on the south and the 
stream on the north which drains the northwest district, 
and empties into the Holland reservoir near the Back 
place. There are such high hills on the line between 
Union and Stafford that streams cannot flow into Stafford 
except towards the south where Roaring brook crosses the 
line. The largest stream which flows into town and the 
only one of note is the Lead Mine brook which flows from 
the Lead Mine pond in Sturbridge into the Mashapaug 
mill-pond. But about a mile and a half east Breakneck 
brook runs into Sturbridge to the Quinnebaug. Instances 
similar to these might be multiplied, but sufficient have 
been given to show the interesting character of the drain- 
age of Union. 

The territory in the northeast part of town east of 
Mashapaug lake, including the Breakneck region, is of a 
wild, uninhabited character. This region can be over- 
looked from the mountain east of Mashapaug. From 
that point Breakneck pond can be seen lying low in 
its deep narrow ravine. It is a long, narrow lake, deep and 
muddy, by turns. It is. not as large as it used to be before 
the dam gave way. 

The drive through the Breakneck road with its steep 
ups and downs is an interesting one. Strangers who are 
not used to such hills usually prefer to walk down the 
steep one by the pond rather than trust themselves to the 
uncertainties of riding down such a steep grade. A glance 



THE BREAKNECK REGION. 29 

over the low railing down through the rocks and trees on 
the precipice to the pond below, convinces one that the 
region is appropriately named, for it would be so easy to 
break one's neck there. 

There is the following tradition as to how the region 
got its name: A man by the name of Laflin, who lived on 
the Prosper Smith place, owned some land there, to which 
he used to go across to work. One night as he was return- 
ing home after dark he fell down a precipice and injured 
himself considerably. Hence he gave it the name of Neck- 
break or Breakneck, which has since adhered to it. The 
road through this region is not built in the best possible 
location to ^void the hills. By going a little farther to the 
east many of the pitches might have been avoided. The 
question arises in the minds of those who observe this fact, 
why was the road unnecessarily built over such rough 
places ? The explanation is this : when the road was 
built about 1826, the selectmen, two of whom resided in 
the west part of town, were strongly opposed to it. Hence 
they refused the more level route surveyed by Paul Law- 
son, and laid it out over the hills expecting that it would 
not be accepted by the town. It was accepted, however, 
and hence the road is where it is to-day, and probably 
always will be. 

This entire region is now destitute of an inhabitant; 
but in former times there were several houses between 
Mashapaug and Breakneck. Here lived Lemuel Bolles, 
Elder Haskell, a Baptist minister, Ebenezer Lyon, Noah 
Bump and some others. Peter Dickey, a Revolutionary 
soldier, lived north of Bigelow pond, and there reared his 
family. Two of his sons were in the War of 181 2. 

About half a mile northwest of Breakneck pond are the 
Cat Rocks, which are doubtless the most wonderful of their 
kind in Union. They are so named from the wild cats 
which lived there until quite recent times. They can best 
be reached by following the path that turns east from the 
road about a quarter of a mile south of the Badger cellar- 
hole. They are about half a mile from the road. They 



30 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

are made up of bowlders and precipices forming' the east 
side of a hill. Immense masses of rock as large as a house 
are piled over each other promiscuously, as if b}^ some 
terrible convulsion of nature. There are many caves 
underneath these rocks. Some of them are of consider- 
able size and would make a comfortable place to live in. 
Some are light and others dark. There are passage 
ways by which the explorer can pass under or between 
these broken masses out into a new place of wonder 
beyond. It takes considerable time, and the person must 
be a good climber to explore this region thoroughly. It 
would be magnificent place to play at hide and seek, or for 
a person to hide from pursuers. The south part of the hill 
was cleared a few years ago and the logs were slid down 
to the steam mill in the valley below, by means of an arti- 
ficial slide. Were not these rocks in such a wild, inacces- 
sible place, they would have more visitors, and their 
interesting character would be better appreciated. 

There are many interesting places in the great Bigelow 
valley. Any one in passing over the road from Dea Law- 
son's to Union Center, reaches the valley by descending a 
hill nearly a mile long. Half way down this hill is a large 
bowldei: on the south side of the road, which bears the 
name of the " Horseblock." It is now alinost too high, 
however, to mount a horse from. From a point in the 
valley, near the old shingled house, there is a beautiful 
view of the steep hillside opposite, covered with trees, and 
sloping abruptly down to the quiet mill-pond below, with 
the sawmill and the piles of logs and boards at the left- 
The pond is full of stuinps which have been there for a 
hundred years or more and have not rotted. There was 
only a small natural pond here but the dam was easily con- 
structed. It is said that a man began it by carrying earth 
in a wheelbarrow. In former times the road did not go over 
the dam as it now does, but went through the brook below 
the mill, going up the hill farther south and coming out on 
the present road near the top. The present road was built 
about 1S15. The steep hillside up which it climbs is a very 



THE BIG FLOW VALLEY. 



31 



picturesque place. The rocks on the height above look as 
though they might easily be rolled down into the road. On 
the other side there is an equally steep descent to the 
valle}^ below. The story is told that once two men who 
were strangers in the region, were driving up this hill after 
dark. One of them got out to cut a stick and unwarily step- 
ped off the edge of the road and went tumbling and rolling 
down towards the valley beneath. He tried to pick himself 
up but kept stumbling and falling down still further. The 
other man after waiting awhile called out, "Ain't you ever 
coining back ? " A voice came back from the poor, strug- 
gling man far below, "I hain't got done going yet." 
Another story is told of some drunken men driving down 
this hill at full speed. They were going so fast that they 
could not turn at the foot of the hill to go over the clam, 
but horse, wagon, men and all, went right on into the pond. 
We can imagine that the hilarity of the men was suddenly 
cooled. 

At the top of the steepest part of the hill a brook 
of pure, clear water crosses the road and dashes over the 
rocks below. Just beyond is a beech tree covered with 
autographs, most of which were cut by the boys of a pre- 
vious generation. A short distance south from the road 
at this point, there is a precipice which rises almost perpen- 
dicularly to a height of some forty feet. It bears the name 
of the "Rattlesnake Rocks," from the tradition that rattle- 
snakes used to be killed there by the early settlers. West 
of this and southeast of Chelsey Young s, there is a cave 
known as the "Wild-cat Den." Following the road on past 
Gulf Brook, the spot is passed near a barway on the south 
side where Arnold Paine hung himself from a pine tree. 
A climb up another long, steep hill brings one out to the 
Town street. 

Another interesting drive through the Bigelow valley 
may be found on the south road, starting in by Thomas 
Rindge's, or going over the Coye hill. After passing the 
summit of the range, you begin to go down, down, down 
into the valley below. At one point a fine view of it can be 



32 



PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 



obtained. Its sides seem to be entirely covered with for- 
ests. Half way down the hill you come suddenly upon a 
house which is so situated that it seems as though it had 

climbed 

"half way up the hill, 
And then sat down to rest as if to say, 
' I climb no farther upward, come what may.' " 

The steepest part of the hill comes below the house 
from which point glimpses of the Bigelow river may be 
had, as it flows through the swamp below. Just beyond 
the plain of the valley is the old David Lawson sawmill, 
now in ruins, the lowest of the five sawmills which Bush- 
meadow brook used to turn. The old mill pond is filled 
with sawdust and bits of board, which floated down from 
the Kinney mills above. North of the mill is a cellar hole 
where the house stood in which Captain Thomas Lawson 
lived during a part of his life. There used to be mag- 
nificent pines in this vicinity, but they are now entirely 
cut off. Northwest of the cellar hole, about ten rods from 
the road, just west of the swamp, there is a round hole in 
the ledge, which averages about a foot and a half deep. It 
is an Indian mortar where the Indians used to grind their 
corn. It is usually filled with water, but when that is 
dipped out, a smooth, well rounded bottom is shown, which 
looks as though it might have been worn smooth by the 
stone pestle of the Indian squaws. 

Passing on up the road one comes to the Kinney mills 
where an extensive lumber business was formerly carried 
on. The sawmill stands over a channel in the rock, which 
forms a natural flume. There is another channel worn in 
the rock about a mile northwest which is far more inter- 
esting. It is along a brook (sometimes called Gulf brook, 
but not the same as the other), which flows down into the 
swamp northeast of the David Lawson house. The water 
has worn out a cailon in the solid rock, which is from three 
to five feet deep and extends for several rods. 

These are some of the most interesting localities in 
Union known to the writer. Among the general features 



THE LAUREL. 



Z3 



of the landscape which deserve mention, is the great 
extent of forest land. There is no town in the region and 
probably none in the state in which so large a proportion of 
the land is covered with forests. The central and eastern 
sections of the town especially, are largely covered with 
pine woods. When one stands on the hilltops and gazes 
on the surrounding region, he can see but few clearings to 
break the monotony of the pine-clad hills and valleys. 
Beneath these pines the laurel grows in great abundance, 
forming dense, impenetrable thickets. Its beautiful white 
and pink blossoms, make the landscape lovely in the month 
of June. The curious structure of the flowers is described 
in a poem (by H. M. Lawson), which we insert. 

TO THE LAUREL. 

O thou prettiest and best of the flowers of old Union, 
More delicate, handsome and bright than them all, 

Than the buttercup, daisy or little blue violet. 
Or e'en than the golden-rod bright in the fall. 

How wondrous thy structure, with pouched corolla 
In which the ten stamens have hidden their tips, 

Till an insect alight on thy beautiful surface, 
To seek for the honey which lies m thy depths. 

Then snap ! they recoil from their cramped position. 
As the feet of the insect disturb their repose ; 

And the pollen is thrown o'er his back and his feelers 
To be borne to the next flower wherever he goes. 

There he brushes against the tall style and its stigma. 
And rubs ofl: this dust on the latter's soft face, 

Where it grows and sends rootlets down into the pistil. 
Thus causing the seeds to develop apace. 

For the seeds grow much better if pollen to start them 
Is brought from the anthers of flowers outside ; 

Thus we .see how the plan for the exchange of pollen, 
Is designed for the flower's own profit and good. 

This leads us to see that there was a Designer, 
Whose wisdom and power are as great as can be, 

If He thus made the flower which is so soon to perish. 
How great is His love both to you and to me ! 



34 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF UNION. 

We ought in connection with the laurel to speak of the 
rhododendron which also grows in Union. It is found in 
the woods northwest of the Captain Paul place. There is 
no other place known in this vicinity where it grows wild. 
Its large, showy flowers are much sought after by those 
who know where they grow. 

Through these forest solitudes echoes the sound of the 
woodland thrush whose song Mr. Hammond loved to hear 
so well, and of which he said : " It is not a rare bird, yet in 
some places it is never found. I have never heard that 
one of the sweetest of American songsters except in my 
native town. From modesty or from fear she shuns the 
busy haunts of men and hides in deep forest dells. She has 
been called the American nightingale, but the thrush is a 
bird of the day and not of the night. She sings in the 
early morning and when the still evening is coming on. In 
warm, cloudy weather but not in storms her song is heard 
at all hours of the day. Like all good musicians she waits 
for the perfect silence of her auditors. She will not 
breathe sweet loud music out of her little instrumental 
throat, unless natui^e listens to her clear airs, her sweet 
cadences, her prolonged closes and to the echo of those 
warbling notes which the air, as if loth to lose, holds its 
breath to hear. 

I left home some years since to attend a Fourth of July 
celebration at old Woodstock where Gen. Grant was an 
invited guest. At West Parish I was detained by sickness. 
But I did not thus lose my chance of enjoyment on that 
trip. I found that chance in the depths of the Bigelow 
woods. There I heard once more after long years the 
song of the woodland thrush. Not one only but many 
sang, not in concert, but in responsive lays, as is their 
habit. They sing and listen in rotation, each perched on 
sprays apart, near and far, each having a different pitch or 
key, each emulous of all in song. I verily believe these 
thrushes knew of my coming to my old haunts and meant 
to enchant me with the melodies and the memories of my 
better days." 



BEAUTIES OF UNION. 35 

And there are many natives of Union who like Mr. 
Hammond, have in their earlier years, listened to the song 
of the woodland thrush, to the merry chirr of the chee- 
wank and to the murmuring of the wund in the tall pine 
tops ; they have tramped over its hills and through its 
valleys; they have followed its streams and fished in its 
ponds ; and they have engaged in the sterner tasks of cul- 
tivating its fields or felling its forests. To these there are 
many pictures stored away in the mental gallery which 
are a source of delight as they recall their youthful days. 
And they are glad that they had the privilege of being 
born in Union. There are also coming to be more and 
more summer visitors attracted by the beauties and quiet 
of the place. And if this chapter shall lead the residents 
of the town to become more appreciative of the displays 
which nature has placed around them, the chief purpose 
of its writer will be accomplished. 



CHAPTER II. 

SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY OF UNION. 

DATE OF SETTLEMENT LEAD MINE BOUNDARY WITH 

MASSACHUSETTS — NAME OF UNION — LAND OF CONTENT 

SALE OF UNION LANDS — ACTION OF THE PROPRIETORS 

RESERVATION FOR PUBLIC USES — ^^THE HOME LOTS — FIRST 
SETTLERS THE SCOTCH-IRISH PURITAN FAMILIES. 

THE territory now occupied by the town of Union, on 
account of its rough and mountainous character and 
its poor soil, was the last town in the state east of the river 
to be settled. Woodstock, with its excelTeiit farming land, 
had attracted settlers from Roxbury, Mass., as early as 
1686. The other towns in the vicinity of Union were set- 
tled early in the i8th century. 

But it was not till 1727 that the first actual settler came 
to Union. But while there was nothing especially attract- 
ive from an agricultural standpoint here, there was some- 
thing else found in one section of the town which was con- 
sidered valuable at that time. In 1633 John Oldham, the 
first European who ever traveled this section, obtained 
from the Indians in this vicinity some specimens of black 
lead or graphite. It was found in two places in this vicin- 
ity; one in Sturbridge, near Mashapaug, the other on the 
hill called Ocquebituque, south of where Mr. Henry Corbin 
now lives, and lying partly in Union and partly in Ash- 
ford. As early as 1644 they were known to William Pyn- 
chon, the founder of Springfield. He describes the one in 
Union as being "five or six miles south of the one in Quas- 
sink (Sturbridge), in Tantousque, and the lead is of better 
quality." This mine was considered quite valuable. As 
early as 1657 the General Court of Massachusetts Bay 
granted the land upon which it was situated, as a reward 
for public service, to Captain Thomas Clarke, of Boston, 



THE LEAD MINE. 37 

one of the richest merchants there. He and his heirs 
improved and worked the mine for a considerable time. 
During the- Revolution 400 pounds of lead were taken from 
the mine at or near Union by Wales and Elderkin, of 
Windham, at the order of Governor Trumbull, for the use 
of the cannon foundry at Salisbury. When it was granted 
to Clarke, it was surveyed by two men, by order of the 
court, and the following return made : " By the desire of 
said Clarke, they laid out a hill called Ocquebituque about 
twenty-eight miles from Windsor on this side w^'h con- 
taynes five hundred acres or more by estimation, but they 
conceaving the court will allowe the overplus measure, the 
whole being so on a mountayne have not taken out any 
part thereof till we know the further minds of the court 
leaving the footte of the hill for the bounds thereof." 

The General Court approved this " retourne " and did 
not take exception to the overplus of land, nor to its 
indefinite bounds. Hence Captain Clarke was the first 
white man who ever owned land in Union. His land, and 
all of the Union land, came within the limits of the " dis- 
puted jurisdiction " caused by the so-called line contro- 
versy between the two colonies, which lasted a great 
many years, and which was at times very bitter. The 
town of Woodstock, being settled from Massachusetts, 
remained for a considerable time, until 1747, under the 
Massachusetts government. In 1713 the line between the 
two colonies was surveyed, and it was agreed by Connecti- 
cut, under certain conditions, that the towns settled by 
Massachusetts should remain under her jurisdiction. 
These towns were Woodstock, Somers, Enfield and Suffield. 
Hence the northern line of Connecticut was for a time a 
very crooked line. This arrangement created general 
uneasiness in the towns in question, which increased till, 
in 1747, they presented a memorial to the General Assem- 
bly of Connecticut, praying for annexation, in order that 
they might enjoy the same privileges that the other citi- 
zens of the state possessed. After a vain attempt to make 
an amicable agreement with Massachusetts, the General 



38 SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 

Assembly adopted a resolution that, as the agreement of 
1 713 had not received royal confirmation, it was not bind- 
ing, and the towns might be received into Connecticut. 
Massachusetts remonstrated to the King, but his Majesty 
took no action in the matter. Massachusetts never for- 
mally consented to the arrangement, but the towns contin- 
ued to be in Connecticut. So the north line of Connecticut 
is straight, with the exception of the bend at vSouthwick. 

Most of the territory now within the limits of the town 
of Union, was called by its present name long before its 
settlement. It is referred to in old records and docu- 
ments as the " Union land," the " Union lands " and some- 
times as the " Union Right." On the western border was 
a gore-shaped tract of common land containing 1800 acres 
which was called from the earliest times, the " Land of 
Content." Why these regions should have received the 
names of Union and Content long before there were any 
Christian inhabitants of European extraction to exercise 
those amiable virtues is a mystery which has never been 
explained. Perhaps Union derived its name by being 
formed by a unlo/i of different sections which were left 
over when the boundaries of the surrounding towns 
became fixed. 

The Land of Content was not embraced in the town as 
it was originally laid out, but was divided and allotted to 
the towns of Union and Stafford not far from the year 1750. 

The territory known as Union lands was sold by a com- 
mitteee " appointed and impowered by the General Assem- 
bly of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut," at their May 
session in 17 19 "to sell certain lands for the raising money 
for the encouraging of Yale College." They sold the town 
on July I, 1720 to"twelve proprietors, all of them residents 
of the town of Windsor. Their names were Capt. Samuel 
Mather, Mr. Samuel Allyn, Ensign Jonathan Ellsworth, 
Lieut. John Ellsworth, Mr. Ebenezer Fitch, Mr. James 
Eno, Mr. Simon Chapman, Mr. James Mcjerrou, Mr. 
David Bissel, Mr. Alexander Allyn, Mr. Jacob Drake 
and Mr. John Smith. The consideration of the sale 



SALE OF UNION. 



39 



was ^307. On account of the fluctuating value of 
money in the colonial days, it is difflcult to tell just 
how much this would amount to now, but it would prob- 
ably be not far from $1,400. This money was donated to 
Yale College, which about this time had just moved from 
Saybrook to New Haven, and was poor and in great need 
of assistance. The tract sold was five miles and twenty 
rods in length from east to west and four miles in breadth 
from north to south and was estimated to contain 12,500 
acres. It was divided into thirteen shares, of which one 
belonged to the whole num.ber of proprietors, and one to 
each of the twelve partner's. Of these partners named in 
the deed of sale only one, Mr. James Eno or Enos, was 
an actual settler. Lieut. Jonathan Ellsworth, and his 
nephew Capt. John Ellsworth were original grantees of 
Tolland as was also Simon Chapman. They belonged to 
families distinguisjied in the annals of Connecticut and in 
the war of the Revolution. 

There is one reservation in the deed to these twelve 
grantees, which is rather interesting. It was provided 
that " the fifth part of all the ore of silver and gold that may 
at any time be found or gotten in said tract of land, is 
hereby saved for our sovereign the king and his succes- 
sors, according to the royal charter by his late Majesty 
King Charles." It is safe to say that no English monarch 
has ever been enriched by Union gold. The deed of the 
Union land was confirmed by a proclamation by the Gov- 
ernor, Gurdon Saltonstall, issued October 28, 1720. (The 
deed, together with this proclamation are recorded in the 
Colony Records of Conn., Lib. 3 of Deeds and Patents of 
lands, folio 365-369.) 

Most of the first proprietors sold their undivided rights 
to land speculators and settlers. Probably but few of them 
ever came to see their Union land. There was a great deal 
of speculation in land at that time, as there is on the West- 
ern frontier to-day. During the succeeding period we find 
the names of many persons in different parts of Connecti- 
cut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, who bought and sold 



40 SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 

land in Union. It was nine years before any attempt was 
made to divide tip the land into lots and distribute them 
among- the proprietors. Meanwhile three settlers, William 
McNall, John Lawson and James Shearer, who had bought 
rights in one share, had come to town, and taken land to 
settle on, where they chose. The meeting to organize 
"the proprietry of the Union rig'ht" was held in the house 
of William Ward of Ashford, Dec. 26, 1729. There were 
present at that meeting, in person or by their deputies, 
several of the noted land agents of that period. Among 
them was Col. John Chandler, Sr., of Woodstock; Capt. 
John Ellsworth of Windsor and his brother-in-law Samuel 
Wells, of East Hartford; William Ward and his son, Wm. 
Ward, Jr., of Ashford; John Lawson, the pioneer settler; 
Col. Samuel Willard, of Lancaster, Mass.; Hon. Samuel 
Brown, of Salem; Nathaniel Sessions, of Pomfret; Thomas 
Tiffany, of Ashford; Col. John Fitch, of Windham, and 
others. At this meeting James Enos was chosen modera- 
tor and Thomas Tiffany, clerk. The meeting having been 
organized, the first matter of business was to choose a 
committee " to see and secure the bounds of our land and 
to perambulate with Mr. Hutchinson of Boston and others." 
This Col. Edward Hutchinson was a grandson of Captain 
Thomas Clarke and inherited a right in the lead mine 
land. The commissioners appointed in 17 13, to determine 
the line between Massachusetts and Connecticut, had 
found that this land lay south of the dividing line. Hence 
although it had been granted by Massachusetts, they con- 
firmed it to the heirs of Clarke. In the deed to the propri- 
etors of Union, a reservation was made of any grants of 
land previously made and allowed by the commissioners. 
So Col. Hutchinson had a just claim to his land in Union 
and Ashford. But the boundaries of it were so indefinite 
that it is natural that a dispute should arise concerning it. 
The Union proprietors said that he "claimed in upon 
them," and even disputed his claim. Hence he and Mary 
Wolcott, the other heir of Capt. Clarke, sent in a petition 
to the General Assembly in May, 1732, setting forth their 



LAND FOR PUBLIC USES. 41 

claim, showing how it had been called in question, and 
asking that it be confirmed by a patent. The Assembly 
considered the claim a good one, recommended that an 
exact survey of the land be made, and notified the propri- 
etors of Union to be present at the session of the Assembly 
the next year, to show cause if any, why the memorial 
should not be granted. In Oct., 1733, another memorial of 
similar import was presented, which was rejected in both 
houses of the Assembly. From this time we hear no more 
of the dispute, but it is likely that Col. Hutchinson had to 
give up at least a part of his claim. Another thing that 
was done at the first meeting of the proprietors was to 
appoint a committee to "lay out necessary and convenient 
highways throughout said tract." It was also voted that 
since several proprietors had already built and labored on 
said tract, they being the proprietors of three shares, they 
should have their respective patches laid out to them in 
lots not exceeding four hundred acres, and that ten simi- 
lar lots be laid out for the other proprietors, it was 
further voted that two hundred acres be laid out as near 
the centre of the land as convenient, which two hundred 
acres should be reserved for public uses. The history of 
these two hundred acres is interesting and important, as a 
small portion of it still remains in the hands of the town. 
The original two hundred acres included, besides what the 
town and church now own, and the old cemetery, part of 
the farm of Mr. Edwin Upham, and the parsonage place. 
Ten acres of the two hundred were reserved at the east 
end for a place for a meeting-house, a burying ground, a 
parade ground, and other public uses. Then on the east 
side of the remaining one hundred and ninety, were taken 
out one hundred acres and given in 1736, to the first minis- 
ter who settled in town. Rev. Ebenezer Wyman. In 1738, 
the rest was given to Mr. Wyman. This formed the place 
which is now the parsonage. One of the objects for 
which the ten acres was reserved was for a place on which 
to set the meeting-house. This was originally set on the 
hill which is now covered with pines. When, the present 



42 SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORT. 

Congregational church was built in 1833, the church took 
the following- portion of the public land upon which to set 
its edifice; beginning a little south of the oak tree in front 
of the house of Edwin Upham, the line runs west past the 
horse sheds, where it turns south west to the barway, then 
it runs southeast to the old county road, then northeast to 
the first mentioned bound. (The survey is given in the 
church records). The portion now owned by the town is 
included within the following- boundary: beginning at the 
above mentione.d barway southwest of the horse sheds, it 
runs southwest along the wall crossing the road which 
runs west from the school-house, and continuing for some 
distance south, then running east for a short distance, 
then running north along the place where the old north 
and south road used to run to the pound, then follow- 
ing the road round northeast to the old county road, 
then round the land owned by the church to the first 
mentioned bound. If at any time in the future the Con- 
gregational church should wish to build a new edifice, it 
could set it on any portion of the public land just men- 
tioned; but the land it now occupies would revert to the 
town. The portion of the public land south of the east 
and west road was that originally used for a parade 
groiind. 

At a meeting of the proprietors held in 1730, the town 
street having been laid out running nearly north and south, 
they proceeded to lay out lots along each side of it. These 
they called the "Home lots," because they were intended 
for the settlers, to build on. There were eleven of these 
laid out on the west side of the town street, and fifteen on 
the east side. Those on the east side became the most 
famous afterwards. Lot No. i was that which now consti- 
tutes a part of the Newell farm. It was 70 rods in width, 
and ran east 400 rods to Bigelow pond, containing 175 
acres. It was laid out to Joseph Dewey. Home lot No. 2, 
was of the same size and was laid out to William Ward. 
The northeast corner was marked by a famous stone 
marked W. W. Lots No. 3 and No. 4,^ following on the 



THE FIRST SETTLERS. 45 

north, were also 70 rods wide, and 400 long. No. 3, was 
laid out to Nathaniel Walker, and No. 4 to Nathaniel Ses- 
sions. No. 5 could not extend 400 rods east, on account of 
Mashapaug- pond. Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, followed until the Mass- 
achusetts line was reached. Then starting again at the 
centre. No. 10 bordered No. i, on the south. At the west 
end of the line between these was a chestnut tree marked 
C. W., which was the starting point for the surveys. No. 
10 was 60 rods in width, and extended south to a road 
which was laid out east and west called th^ '* Centre road." 
This was never actually built, but it probably came out 
somewhere near where Merrick Marcy's house now stands. 
Nos. II to 15 followed each other on the south, east of the 
town street. Thus the central portion of the land was 
divided and each proprietor received a lot which he 
could call his own. The rest of the land in town Avas 
gradually divided among those who owned it in common. 
But it was not till 1784 that this work was entirely accom- 
plished, and those who made the last division were an 
entirely different set of men from those who made the 
first. 

But we have anticipated. It is time we should tell 
something of the actual settlement of the town. The first 
white man who ever came to Union to live was James 
McNall. He took land and built a cabin on the hill north 
of the Healy Corbin place. His brother, William McNall, 
came very soon afterwards and settled in the south part 
of town. This was in 1727. James Shearer was another 
early settler who came about this time, but only staid a 
few years, removing to Palmer. In the spring of 1728, 
John Lawson came to town from Worcester, Mass., where 
he had been living a few years after coming to this coun- 
try. All these men belonged to the Scotch-Irish race. It 
is probable that they came on the same ship. Anyway, 
William McNall also came from Worcester, and was a 
friend of John Lawson's. He persuaded him to settle in 
Union instead of going on to Windsor, as he had intended. 
John Lawson brought his wife and four childen to Union. 



44 SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 

Three of these children had been born before coming to 
this country. The youngest, Thomas, afterwards Captain 
Lawson, was born in Worcester, November 2, 1727, and was 
hence a baby when he was brought to Union. There is an 
interesting tradition that when the family were moving to 
town they had a bed on top of their load of furniture, and 
had laid the baby on the bed. As they M^ere crossing a 
stream the wagon jolted and threw the baby off into the 
water. Thus the future Revolutionary captain had a nar- 
row escape. 

John Lawson bought land of William McNall, and lived 
near him in the south part of town. The cellar hole can 
still be seen south of the Horton saw-mill, just east of the 
forks in the road where the old road turns to the left to go 
to the Major Lawson place. 

Robert Moor was one of the earliest settlers. He, too, 
belonged to the Scotch-Irish race, and was some connection 
of the McNalls. The Pauls were also Scotch-Iri-sh. Robert 
Paul, senior, came to Union in 1732, and lived at the 
Abbott house, south of the centre school-house. Robert 
Paul, junior, so called to distinguish him from Robert 
Paul, senior, although no connection, came later and lived 
in the south part' of town. James Armour was also Scotch- 
Irish, and settled on the Major Smith place. So were the 
Crawfords, who came about 1742. These are the principal 
Scotch-Irish families who were among the earliest inhab- 
itants. These people were called Scotch-Irish because 
they had left Scotland on account of their religion, and 
lived for a time in the north of Ireland before coming to 
America. Their homes in Scotland were in the south- 
western counties — that is, Argylshire and Ayrshire, where 
William Wallace, the Washington of Scotland, was born, 
and where Burns sang on the "banks and braes of Bonny 
Doon." Hence they were genuine Scotchmen, and had no 
trace of Ireland in their temperament, their sympathies, 
their prejudices, their language, their politics, or their 
religion. They left Scotland about the same time that the 
Pilgrims and the Puritans came to New England. They 



THE SCOTCH-IRISH. 45 

carried with them to the north of Ireland, and they 
brought with them here, their native Scotch qualities of 
industry and thrift, frugality and personal independence. 
They were in general persons of comfortable estates and 
friends of good learning and education. Long before their 
emigration to Ireland or this country, every Scotch hamlet 
had its liberally educated minister and its liberally edu- 
cated schoolmaster. There was among their little com- 
pany of emigrants here a professional schoolmaster by the 
name of McVine, who kept school summer and winter. 

The Scotch-Irish emigration to this country began 
about 1 7 18 and continued till about 1730. Most of these 
emigrants settled in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Car- 
olina, and in the southern counties of New Hampshire. A 
few towns in Massachusetts wxre settled by them, but in 
Connecticut, Union was the only town which they settled. 

They were Presbyterians in their church polity, and 
where they were sufficiently numerous, they formed Pres- 
byterian churches. But in Union there were so many 
Puritans, that all joined together and formed a Congrega- 
tional church. We know of no religious disputes in this 
town occasioned by these people. The Scotch-Irish were 
some of the best settlers of the country and many distin- 
guished men have been descended from them. There 
were no more jealous defenders of liberty, or patriotic 
citizens in the Revolution than the Scotch-Irish. Coming 
from Ireland, the Scotch brought with them to America 
two institutions which were pure Irish and not Scotch and 
which were soon universally adopted. These were the 
Irish potato as food for inan and the foot-wheel for spin- 
ning flax. These soon proved to be of very great value to 
the country. 

While many of the early settlers were Scotch, the Puri- 
tan element has from the first been represented here by 
those who came from some of the oldest and best New 
England towns. William Ward and his son William and 
also Nathaniel Walker, came from Ashford about 1730. 
John Burley came from Windham about 1732 and settled 



46 SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 

in the southeast part of town. The Badgers came from 
Pomfret about 1735, ^s did also the Sessionses soon after. 
Samuel Strong came from Windsor in 1737. Daniel 
Loomis came also from Windsor in 1741 and settled north- 
east of the Newell place. 

Caleb Loomis came from Lebanon about 1754 and lived 
where Bruce Horton now does. Ebenezer Wales came 
from Windham with his large family in 1750. Nathaniel 
Newell came to Union from Needham, Mass., in 1775. As 
a full account of all these and other families is given in 
the chapter of genealogies, it will not be necessary to 
dwell longer on them here. 

In 1734, as we learn from the petition for incorporation, 
there were nineteen families already settled in town. In 
1 756, when the first census of Connecticut was taken, Union 
had a population of 500 more than it has at the present 
time. 

As the incorporation of the town is closely connected 
with the history of the church, we give the account of it 
under that head. 

Union when first incorporated and for many years after 
was in Windham county. Tolland county was formed in 
1786 from towns in Windham and Hartford counties. The 
towns now in Tolland county but formerl}^ in Windham 
.are, besides Union, Mansfield, Columbia and Coventry. 



CHAPTER III. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
I. The Congregational Church at Union. 

CONNECTION WITH THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN — WORSHIP BY 
THE EARLY SETTLERS — PETITION FOR INCORPORATION — 
ACT OF INCORPORATION — ORDER FOR THE TAX — CONFLICT 
WITH THE PROPRIETORS — THE COLONEL BROWN CONTRO- 
VERSY DISAGREEMENT CONCERNING MINISTER — MEMORIAL 

TO THE ASSEMBLY — REV. SAMUEL TERRY CALL OF REV. 

EBENEZER WYMAN ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH 

PLACES OF EARLY WORSHIP BUILDING OF THE MEETING- 
HOUSE — DEATH OF MR. WYMAN— HIS CHARACTER — REV. 

CALEB HITCHCOCK REV. EZRA HORTON DIFFICULTIES IN 

THE CHURCH — DISMISSAL OF MR. HORTON PREACHERS 

WHO FOLLOWED HIM — LOW STATE OF THE CHURCH REV. 

DAVID AVERY — FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY REV. NEHE- 

MIAH BEARDSLEY REVIVAL OF 1831 BUILDING OF THE 

NEW MEETING-HOUSE — REV. S. I. CURTISS — TEMPERANCE 

REFORM REMODELING OF THE CHURCH DISMISSAL OF MR. 

CURTISS REV. J. P. WATSON — REV. GEORGE CURTISS — REV. 

WILLIAM HOWARD— REV. I. P. SMITH — ANNIVERSARY OF 
THE ORGANIZATION — DEACONS OF THE CHURCH — FUTURE 
PROSPECTS — FUNDS OF THE CHURCH LIST OF MEMBERS. 

II. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Mashapaug 

old methodist church — organization of the present 
church — its pastors — causes which have made the 
church weak — prospects for the future — list of 
members list of pastors. 

History of the Church at. Union. 

THE early history of the town and of the church are so 
intimately connected, that it is almost impossible 
to separate them. One of the chief objects of the early 



48 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

settlers was to establish a church, that they might enjoy 
the privileges of the gospel. It was for that purpose that 
the town was incorporated. The church affairs were man- 
aged by the town until 1816. Daniel Webster said in his 
Plymouth address : " Let us not forget the religious char- 
acter of our origin." That counsel applies to the people 
of Union, for if ever a town had a legal origin strictly 
religious in its objects, it is this. 

The first notice which we have in regard to preaching 
of the gospel in Union is a memorial of Rev. Samuel Terry 
and other residents of Union to the General Assembly, 
dated October 10, 1734, for an act of incorporation of the 
town. The petitioners ask for town privileges, " that we 
may build a decent house of public worship, settle God's 
word p,nd ordinances, and honorably maintain the same." 

It seems that very soon after the first settlers came, in 
1727, they formed the habit of observing the Sabbath by 
gathering in some private house for worship. It is not 
known when the first preacher, Rev. Samuel Terry, came 
to town. But from a later reference we learn "that Rev. 
Samuel Terry, before we were a town, for a small recom- 
pense and with great hardship, preached with universal 
acceptance." It does not seem strange that those early 
settlers, amidst all their hardship in clearing lands and 
building homes in the wilderness, could not adequately 
support their minister. Hence they wished for town priv- 
ileges, that a tax might be levied on the land for the sup- 
port of the gospel. A large part of the land was owned by 
wealthy non-resident proprietors. The settlers thought 
that these proprietors would be benefited by having the 
gospel regularly preached, because it would attract settlers 
to buy their lands. Hence they ought to help support it. 

The following is a copy of the petition for incorpora- 
tion, taken from the Connecticut State archives (Towns 
and Lands, Vol. 6th, Document No. 207): 



INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN. 



49 



" Petition of sundry inhabitants of a tract called Union for an act of 

incorporation. 

To the Honorable General Assembly of His Majesty's Colony of Con- 
necticut in New England 7iow sitting in New Haven, Oct. loth 

n34 ■■ 

The Petition of the Inhabitants of Union humbly showeth that in the 
tract of land lying West of Woodstock being five miles square called 
Union, there are nineteen familes already settled containing an hundred 
and twenty souls, and several persons more make improvement of land 
and are speedily coming to settle among us. 

And that we labor under many and great inconveniences and difficul- 
ties upon many accounts for want of town privileges specially with 
respect to the Gospel, the enjoyment whereof we greatly desire, but are 
not able to settle or support it in our present unhappy circumstances. 

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that this great and honor-\ 
able court would please take our distressed case and condition into your 
wise consideration and incorporate the above said tract of land called 
Union into a township and invest it with legal Town privileges, and lay 
a reasonable tax of four pence per acre per annum upon the land for ten 
years, that we may be enabled to build a decent house for public wor- 
ship, settle God's word and ordinances among us, and honorably main- 
tain the same. 

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pra)^ 

Samuel Terry, 
Nathaniel Badger, 
Nathaniel Walker, 
Robert Paul, 
John Lawson, 
William Ward, 
James Fuller, 
Nathaniel Tiffany." 

This Petition was promptly acted on by the Assembly 
and granted, with the exception that the tax levied was 
three pence per acre, instead of four. 

The following is a copy of the Act of Incorporation 
(Id. Doc. 208): 

ACT OF INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF UNION, 

OCT., 1734. 
" Upon the Memorial of Mr. Samuel Terry, William Ward, and sundry 
others. Inhabitants and proprietors of a Tract of Land lying in the 
northerly corner of this Government, and on the Northerly side of the 
town of Ashford, commonly called and known by the name of Union, 
representing to this Assembly that there are already a considerable 

4 



^o ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOBY. 

number of families settled on said Tract of Land who labor under great 
difficulties for want of Town privileges, etc. , and prajdng that said 
memorialists may have Town privileges granted to them ; 
This Assembly grants and enacts — 

That the said Tract of Land be made a Township and that the inhabi- 
tants thereof be allowed and invested with the rights and privileges 
usually granted to other towns ; and that it be called by the name of 
Um'on, and that the brand for the horses be the figure ;nj. 

And forasmuch as the inhabitants of the said tract of Land are 
desirous to have the worship of God set up and maintained among 
them, and do complain of their present low and indigent circumstances, 
and their inability to support the same: 

Ordered, that all persons claiming any Lands within the place called 
Union shall enter the-rights and claims to the lands in said Town, in the 
Register's office in said town at or before the first day of May next, upon 
penalty of forfeiting the sum of twenty shillings per month for each 
neglect of such entries to be made, to be paid to the Treasurer of said 
town. And the inhabitants of said Town of Union are allowed and 
empowered for the space of four years next ensuing to levy a tax of 
three pence an acre on such persons as have or claim said Lands accord- 
ing to the directions of the laws directing for the gathering the minis- 
ters' rate : and if any person complain he is overrated, he or they may 
make their application to the county court in Windham county who are 
empowered to hear and adjust these affairs. 

And the money thus raised as aforesaid shall by the collector of said 
town be paid unto the hands of Timothy Pierce, Esq., who, together 
with Messrs. John Perry and Phillip Eastman are to improve the sums 
in the manner following viz: two-thirds parts of the aforesaid sum to be 
annually paid to such orthodox gospel minister as shall be improved 
among them, and the other third part to be improved for building a 
meeting-house or other disbursements necessary for maintaining the 
-worship of God in said Town. 

Passed in the upper house. 

Teste, George Wyllys, Secretary. 

Concurred with in y*^ lower house. 

Teste, John Bulkley, Clerk. 

October, 1734." 

This order for a tax on the land aroused strenuous oppo- 
sition among the non-resident proprietors. At the next 
session of the Assembly in May, 1735, foi-^r of them, Thomas 
Fitch and Thomas Steel, both of Boston, William Ward, 
of Union, and Isaac Shelton, of Hartford, presented a 
remonstrance against the tax. In it they said that by the 
order for the tax, 



REMONSTRANCE OF TEE PROPRIETORS. 



51 



" We the memorialists are very much disturbed and aggrieved and we 
suppose that this honorable Assembly in the passing the said act were 
imposed upon by a misrepresentation of that case. 

Whereupon we pray your Honors to review or reconsider that affair, 
and upon a full understanding to pass such an act or order as shall be 
most just and reasonable, and that the order of Assembly aforesaid, may 
be repealed, and that for the considerations following : 

ist. The Proprietors of the said Land had long ago granted two hun- 
dred acres of their proprietors' land partly for the settling and partly for 
the maintaining of a Gospel Minister in said town. 

2nd. Two-third parts of said Tax is by said order to be for the sup- 
port of an Orthodox Minister which will amount to about the sum of 
;^i2o or ;^i25, without any other pollg or rateable estate, and we are 
assured that we can procure a Gospel minister able and Orthodox for 
much less than that sum per annum. 

3rd. In laying out the proprietors' land in said Town, the land was 
sized in proportion according to the goodness of the same, whereby it 
comes to pass that some proprietors must pay by the said rate near ^20 
per annum, and others not ^12 per annum, and yet their favors are about 
«qual in value or perhaps the least number of acres more valuable than 
the greatest. 

These considerations we hope will be sufficient to show that the tax 
so laid or to be levied is not necessary nor equal, and we humbly hope 
that your honors will redress our grievances by abating part of the Tax 
as aforesaid on the acre and find a method that our Rights may be Equal. 
And we also pray that we may have a Liberty and voice in the calling 
and settling the minister there. 

Moreover we further pray that all the Land that is between Stafford 
and Union containing about 1500 acres may be annexed to Union and 
that tfie proprietors thereof may be ordered to pay a tax in proportion as 
the proprietors of Union Lands shall by your honors' act now to be 
made, be ordered to pay. 

In granting which requests your Honors will redress our grievances 
and we as in duty bound shall Pray, &c. 
Union y® 2nd of May, 
A.D. 1735. 

James Ends \ Agents for the 

Isaac Sheddon (. Proprietors 
Nath'l Sessions ) of Union." 

But this remonstrance did not secure the desired result; 
for it was ordered to be dismissed by vote of both houses 
of the Legislature. The same petitioners, however, nothing 
daunted, sent in another memorial to the next session of 



5 2 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

the General Assembly held in New Haven, in October, 1735. 
This was even more vigorous and specific than the former. 
The petitioners say that the memorial for incorporation 
and a tax was prepared without their knowledge; that so 
large a tax was not necessary, first, because they had 
already given two hundred acres for the settling and sup- 
port of a minister, and second, because it would raise a 
much larger salary than many ministers of old parishes 
have; that all the ratable estate of the inhabitants such 
as polls, stock, etc., will (pro tempore) be wholly excused 
from any contribution toward the support of the Gospel. 
They repeat the statement about the division of the land 
"according to the goodness of the same," and show how in 
one case a proprietor must pay about a third greater tax 
than another. 

When this petition came before the Assembly it cited 
" Robert Paul and William McNall, and other inhabitants 
of Union," to appear at New Haven, on the first Tues- 
day after the first Thursday, and to show cause why the 
prayer of the above named memorialists should not be 
granted. 

The Selectmen of Union, Robert Paul and Nathaniel 
Badger, presented at the same session of the Assembly a 
reply to the memorial of the proprietors. This is so vigor- 
ous and full of interest that we give it entire. 

' ' A reply to the memorial of the proprietors of Union to be prefer- 
red to the General Assembly, at their session at New Haven, on the 
second Thursday of Oct., 1735, wherein they pray that the tax on their 
lands may be removed or abated, setting forth the reasons why the 
prayer should not be granted 

OlTered by the selectmen of Union in behalf of the town. 

First it is offered as a reason why the honorable Assembly should 
reconsider the act for taxing the land — because this court was imposed 
upon and things were misrepresented, the memorial of the inhabitants 
being preferred without the knowledge of the proprietors and so they 
had not opportunity to lead the court into a right understanding of the 
affair; but all this labors under a great mistake, for things were truly 
represented to the honorable Assembly and almost every proprietor 
knew of the memorial and most of them petitioned with the inhabitants 
at the same time for the same thing— and many of them disliked the 



ANSWER OF THE CITIZENS. 



53 



recent memorial and some entered their protest against it, and yet it is 
offered in the name of all of them . 

Secondly, it is observable that all the reason offered why the tax 
should be abated is because such a tax is not necessary; and first, it is 
offered that it is not necessary to procure a settlement for a minister 
because the proprietors have granted 200 acres of land for that very 
purpose viz. partly for a minister's settlement and partly for his sup- 
port. Now supposing it is to be — that 200 acres of land is granted 
for the promotion of the gospel, yet in the first place it may be said with 
truth it is a mean tract of land; it would not fetch if sold but about 
;i^ioo, and if it were good land it could not be esteemed a suitable and 
sufficient settlement for a minister, much less will it serve both for set- 
tlement and salary as the memorialists design it shall, and so notwith- 
standing this reason, the tax, the whole of it and more too may be 
necessary for the settlement of a minister if any of it could be parted 
out of this salary for the purpose; but the real truth is they are mista- 
ken in saying they have laid out 200 acres of land for a minister's settle- 
ment or salary as their own records will show, for the words of the 
records are '200 acres laid out for public use and service,' and not a 
word of any land laid out for the ministry in all their book. 

It is commonly said that it was designed by them for the encourage- 
ment of the gospel, and the inhabitants of the town, at a proprietors' 
meeting last November, desired them to give it to the town for the pro- 
motion of the gospel, which they refused to do unless the town would 
abate a third of the tax which is far more than the land is worth, and 
some said we should never have it. It should be sold to pay for laying 
out their land which is a public use, they said. 

So that in truth two-thirds of the tax is all the town have to depend 
upon to settle and maintain a minister withall, and yet it is less than 
parishes give as a salary now-a-days by far. 

2nd, It is offered that it is not necessary for a salarj^ for a minister 
first because ministers in many old parishes have not so much; secondly, 
because they say they can procure a minister for less. 

But those arguments are of no force, for it may be some old parishes 
don't give enough, and our neighbors' short-comings are not for our 
example, and every one knows it is hard beginning a new place, and a 
minister needs a bigger salary there if he could tell how to come at it, 
and perhaps they could find thtmselves mistaken in their great confi- 
dence if they were to get a minister for Union, for Union is now forced to 
give more than two-thirds of the tax and so do the destitute towns round 
it whether new or old. 

It is true many ministers have settled in many new places for a less 
salary, but then they have been encouraged by a right in the town 
which often draws many hundred acres of land, but there is no such 
thing to be had in Union, no, not a foot of land, ixnless the proprietors 



54 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

alter their declared mind, which it is to be hoped they will see it is 
their duty to do, although the tax be not abated. 

As to the assertion that the ratable estate of the inhabitants by the 
tax is wholly excused from supporting the gospel, calling it unreason- 
able. 

We answer, first: 

Supposing it were to be, it would be but just and reasonable, consid«- 
ering the hardship and difficulties of beginning a new place, and the 
vast advantage the proprietors gain by a few persons settling in the 
place, their lands rising thereby in a few years to three times their 
value. 

But the Assembly will see from what is before offered that the inhab- 
itants must contribute liberally in settling and supporting the gospel, 
besides what help they will have from the tax, especially in building a 
meeting-house. 

With respect to the injustice of the tax, on the account of the differ- 
ent number of acres belonging to the proprietors complained of, it maj' 
be replied: 

First, that legislators aim at the public good, and yet some few par- 
ticular subjects may be hurt in their acts; but they ought to be patient 
and rejoice at the general good. This is no more than many have suf- 
fered in other places, and yet the court never sought their relief. 

Secondly: 

The charge of coming to strict justice in this case by a committee 
viewing the lands, would be greater than all the benefit any proprietor 
would get by it. 

Thirdly: 

It is but justice that many, if not all, that have more acres than 
others, should pay equally per acre, if not more, for (however it came to 
pass) some proprietors, particularly Mr. Enos and Mr. Sessions, have as 
many acres of good land in a farm, nay, better land than another pro- 
prietor, and yet one of them have near an hundred, and the other near 
two hundred acres more than some other proprietors, and thereupon 
they need not think it injustice to pay as much per acre as others, and 
perhaps it may be so with others, if the truth was known. 

The proprietors' uneasiness at the tax, and trying to get it removed, 
has been a great discouragement to persons coming into the town, for 
many were fond of buying in the town when they heard the land was 
taxed, and so the gospel likely to be settled in it, who are now discour- 
aged lest it should be difficult to settle and support the gospel, if the 
court hear their prayer. 

By what has been offered, we doubt not but the honorable Assembly 
will see that the proprietors are mistaken in saying that they are hurt 
by so large a tax, it being meant to make their land valuable if estab- 
lished, and that it is unlikely we should ever settle and support the gos- 



CONTEST WITH THE PROPRIETORS. 



55 



pel honorably if the tax be diminished, yea. farther, that if the act be 
reconsidered, that the tax really needs to be increased and not lessened. 
Robert Paul, ) Selectmen, in behalf 

Nathaniel Badger, S rf y^ tozvji." 

There was appended to the above a note stating that 
the proprietors had neglected to have their claims regis- 
tered in the town clerk's office, according to the act of the 
Assembly; but the knowledge of their claims had been 
gotten from their clerk, and begging that the collector be 
empowered to sell their lands in case the proprietors 
refused to pay their tax (as they had just reason to think 
many would do). And now it is interesting to note how 
the matter came out. At the October session in 1735 the 
petition of the proprietors was negatived by both houses. 
But the matter came up again at the next session, in 1736, 
and the preceding reply of the inhabitants did not avail, 
but the tax rate was changed from three to two pence per 
acre for the remaining three years of the four for which 
the tax was granted. 

One of the large non-resident owners of land in Union 
was Colonel William Brown, of Salem. He neglected to 
pay the land tax for several years. In 1740 the town sent 
Rev. Mr. Wyman to the Assembly to get authority to col- 
lect this tax. This was done by leasing his land. Land to 
the amount of 2,240 acres was thus leased for 999 years to 
sundry persons. These persons began to build and make 
improvements on the land; but Colonel Brown very natur- 
ally objected to such proceedings. A compromise was 
made between the parties. May 20, 1754, by a board of ref- 
erence, who appraised the value of the improvements made 
by the occupants. Colonel Brown paid them for these 
improvements in " Spanish milled dollars " to the amount 
of $1,340.75, and they quitclaimed to him all titles acquired 
by their leases. 

But while this contest between the proprietors and 
inhabitants concerning the tax was going on, the latter 
were in a contention among themselves with regard to the 
preacher. The winter of 1734-5 was one of discontent and 



^5 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

division. There were two parties in town, one including- 
the selectmen and most of the communicants, who wished 
to engage the Rev. Mr. Terry to preach for them. The 
other party disliked Mr. Terry, and having got the control 
into their hands, engaged as a preacher Lawyer Calkins, of 
Lebanon, who was not approved by ministers to preach. 
To remedy this bad condition of affairs, the selectmen, 
Nathaniel Badger and William Ward, presented to the Gen- 
eral Assembly, at its May session in 1735, a memorial 
which tells its own story. They set forth, among other 
things, that: 

" Our infant town has fallen into unhappy circumstances, difficulties 
and divisions respecting the Gospel ministry among us. 

Rev. Samuel Terry, before we were a town, for a small recompense 
and with great hardship preached with universal acceptance. But a 
certain man among us when he came to see the act of the Court passed 
last October for incorporating the place and taxing the land, was 
greatly offended that his name was not particularly mentioned in it, and 
because the tax money is ordered to be put into the hands of Judge 
Pierce, and because two-thirds of the tax is ordered to be paid to the 
minister, which three things he supposed Mr. Terry influenced the court 
to do; and would maintain this notion though the Ashford deputies 
assured him that it was not so; Whereupon he so influenced people, his 
relatives and others, as to get a major vote of the eighteen voters in 
town to seek another minister after the town had voted to treat with the 
Rev. Mr. Terry about settling in the ministry among us, to the great 
dissatisfaction of most of the people in the town, and all the towns 
around us. And most of the men that carried the vote, refused to 
reward him for his ministerial labors before we were a town. 

Upon this vote, the selectmen, all the communicants save one, and 
others in the town, desired Mr. Terry to continue preaching till the town 
was better united and peaceably brought another minister into the town. 

Each of the three men employed to get a minister, took their turns 
to go after a minister but could get none because they had done so 
unworthily by their former preacher. But about three months after, viz. 
the last Sabbath in March, they brought a lawyer Calkins, who is not 
approved by the ministers, to preach, and improve him still to preach 
and half or more than half the town can't think it their duty to hear him 
and so have not the word dispensed to them. We have great reason to fear 
thcit we shall remain in great contention and confusion without the gospel 
preached, that the interests of religion will suffer, and the town will not 
flourish, (for many that designed to buy and settle among us are dis- 
couraged at our divisions), unless this honorable Court will do something 



MEMORIAL TO THE ASSEMBLY. 57 

for our help. Therefore, we humbly pray this honorable body to con- 
sider our difficulties and endeavor to relieve us by appointing and fixing 
a minister among us during the four years tax, and we hope by that 
time we shall grow wiser and more peaceable and many good men will 
come into the town so that we shall be able and fit to act for ourselves, 
like a Christian Society; or by some other method as your wisdom shall 
direct. 

And we further, srdly, pray this honorable court to order Judge 
Pierce, Capt. Perry and Justice Eastman, who are to dispose of our tax 
money to put in a committee to build a meeting house for us, and to 
appoint the place for it, and to give liberty to the inhabitants to pay 
their tax in labor and in providing materials for it, the said committee, 
setting a value upon what each person does toward the building of the 
house; for many of us are iu low circumstances, and can't pay their tax 
in money so easily as they can in labor. 

wJ^W^.p^''^'''!- Selecimenr 
Wm. Ward, ) 

Union, May 13th, 1735. 

The following names are appended to a paper certify- 
ing to the facts of the above memorial as set forth by the 
.selectmen. 

Samuel Terry, 

John Smith, 

Enoch Badger, 

John Ward, 

Nathaniel Badger, Jr. 

Daniel Wickom (Wickham), 

John Lawson, 

Robert Paul, Selectman. 

Nath. Tiffany. 

But the above memorial, which is almost pathetic in its 
references to the unhappy division in the struggling com- 
munity and the low circumstances of some, was dismissed 
in both houses. The noble-hearted citizens who were 
striving to establish the preaching of the Gospel here 
must have been disappointed. They were not discouraged 
however, but at the next session of the Assembly in Octo- 
ber, 1735, presented another memorial setting forth the 
same facts, and asking the same remedy, viz., the appoint- 
ment of the same men as a committee to "regulate us, 



58 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

provide for us during the term of the tax, to appoint a 
place for the meeting-house and a committee to build it, 
and that the inhabitants may pay for it in their labor, as 
they were too poor to pay in money." 

The memorialists complain that as there were "but 
nineteen house-holders and eight of them, by the aid of 
such as are not house-holders and have no freehold in 
town, always carry the vote to our confusion, they put in a 
committee last Christmas to provide preaching and they 
have procured preaching but eight or ten days except 
what Lawyer Calkins preached whom but few could think 
their duty to hear. 

They have established the said committee for four 
years during the whole term of the tax so that they are 
likely to continue in great contention and confusion 
through the mismanagement of our committee who act in 
their trust to the wonder and grief of the town and the 
towns around us." 

This is dated October loth, 1735, and signed by Nathan- 
iel Badger, William Ward, and Robert Paul, Selectmen, 
and by Samuel Terry, Nathaniel Tiffany, Samuel Downe, 
Amos Stickney, Nathaniel Badger, Jr., Enoch Badger and 
John Smith. 

This petition was probably also dismissed like the first. 

Then, May 20, 1736, comes a statement from disinter- 
ested parties, the committee appointed to receive the tax, 
consisting of Judge Timothy Perrce (also written Pierce), 
Justice Philip Eastman, and Captain John Perry. They 
report to the General Assembly : " The inhabitants of said 
town being small in No., and are unhappily fallen into 
divisions which will prove fatal to them unless seasonably 
directed. Some (they say) have hired Rev. Samuel Terry, 
others James Calking of Lebanon. The Memorialists have 
received ^100 tax money. Some forbid paying Mr. Terry, 
others are not willing Mr. Calking should have the money,, 
so the committee pray the general assembly to take the 
whole premises into their wise consideration." The Gen- 
eral Assembly did so and with great impartiality directed 



EARLY MINISTERS. 



59 



the committee to pay both men according to the time of 
their preaching. And so the gospel ship in the good old 
days had to be launched through the breakers with great 
peril. But it was launched. We hear no more of the dis- 
pute. 

It seems that both Mr. Terry and Lawyer Calkins wisely 
left town about this time. The Rev. Mr. Terr)^ went to 
Hebron, Conn. He graduated at Harvard in 1710, came 
from Mendon to Union where he lived as a citizen and was 
a large land-holder. 

The next minister employed by the town, (the first 
really after its incorporation in 1734, was Rev. Jacob Bacon, 
who graduated at Harvard in 1731. He preached fifty-four 
Sabbaths in the years 1735 ^^^^1 1736. He was settled as 
the first minister of Keene, N. H., in 1738 and after nine 
years' service was driven away by the Indians who broke 
up the settlement. He was then called by vote of the 
town in May, 1748, to settle in Union as the successor of the 
Rev. Mr. Wyman, with a. salary of ^300 and a settlement 
of ^500. He declined the call and settled the same year 
at Plymouth, Mass., as the pastor of the Third Church, 
where he spent most of his days. He died at Rowley, 
Mass., in 1787, aged eighty-one years. 

Two young men preached as candidates in Union in 
1736. Mr. Hezekiah Bissel of Windsor, who graduated 
from Yale, in 1733, and was settled at Wintonbury, Conn, 
and Mr. Benjamin Throop, who graduated in 1734 and was 
minister at Bozrah forty-seven years. In 1737 Rev. 
Timothy Allen, who graduated at Yale in the previous 
year, began his noted career as a "candidate" in Union. 
He was soon after settled at West Haven, Conn., became a 
leader among the New Lights, was persecuted and deposed 
by the conservative party, but settled in Ashford in 1757 
and afterwards in Chesterfield, Mass. 

The people seem to have been united in settling a minis- 
ter in 1738. The Rev. Ebenezer Wyman was the first 
pastor that was settled over the church. He was ordained 
and installed December 13, 1738, in a private house in the 



6o ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Rock Meadow district where Mr. Williams lived in recent 
times. The church was organized at the same time, 
December 13, 1738. The 150th anniversary of this event 
was celebrated December 13, 1888. 

The proprietors gave Mr. Wyman two hundred acres of 
land (out of the tract reserved for public uses) and the town 
voted to give him one hundred pounds to aid him in build- 
ing his house on condition "that he accepted their call" 
besides his salary. This piece of land was the farm where 
Rev. S. I. Curtiss afterwards lived (the present parsonage 
place). Mr. Wyman built a house on this place, on the 
opposite side of the road from where the house now stands. 
The old house stood until about 1853, and Rev. Mr. Curtiss 
lived in it awhile before he built the new one. It was no 
doubt a decent house for the times and of the same style as 
many houses of that day. It had huge timbers and a large 
stone chimney, large enough for a monumental pile. There 
were four rooms in the main building, two below and two 
upstairs. A lean-to or extension of one roof towards the 
ground for a little more than a story, furnished space for sev- 
eral additional rooms. A low wall ran along in front of the 
parsonage yard. At one end of the house stood what was 
once a magnificent mulberry tree, that furnished great 
black luscious berries an inch in length, the delight of boys 
and birds. The tradition is that Rev. Mr. Wyman received 
a thimbleful of mulberry seed from some one who gave all 
the ministers of his association a like quantity. He planted 
the seed and one enormous tree was the result. It stood 
long years after he was numbered with the dead. 

In this house the services on the Sabbath were held a 
part of the time during the earlier part of Mr. Wyman's 
pastorate; that is until the first meeting-house was built in 
1 741. The rest of the time the people gathered for divine 
worship in the house of Robert Paul, which stood until 1883, 
south of the central school-house. How interesting it would 
have been to have seen the company of settlers who gath- 
ered in these houses, coming on horseback and afoot over 
the rough paths which ran to their houses. They must have 



BUILDING THE MEETING-ROUSE. 6i 

prized the good gospel sermons which no doubt Rev. Mr. 
Wyman dispensed to them. 

But from the very first the people had been looking for- 
ward to the time when they could build a " meeting-house " 
for religious worship and all other gatherings of the inhab- 
itants. . The first action of the town in relation to a meet- 
ing-house was at a meeting held October 27, 1737, when it 
was voted to build, and a committee was appointed to pro- 
cure materials. At the same time it was voted to raise a 
tax of 150 pounds to be paid in work and lumber at specified 
prices. The price of a day's work at hewing was six shil- 
lings a day for " Brod ax men" and five shillings for 
"narrah ax men." The town also voted that the people 
shall begin felling timber for the ineeting-house on the 28th 
of November next. 

The meeting-house was not built until four years after- 
wards. For it seems that a higher authority than the town 
had to legislate, was necessary at that day in order that a 
meeting-house could be legally located or a church consti- 
tuted or a minister settled. So the General Assembly in 
compliance with a memorial of the inhabitants, passed a 
resolution at the October session in 1738, which gave liberty 
"to the inhabitants of said Union to embody themselves 
into a church estate with the approval of the neighboring 
churches," and also allowed a tax of two pence per acre 
for four years on all the lands in Union for the support 
of the gospel, and the Assembly also apppointed a com- 
mittee to "affix a place" for a meeting-house. This com- 
mittee consisted of Mr. Joseph Strong, Capt. John Perry, 
and Mr. Experience Porter, appointed at the expense of the 
memorialists. This committee performed the duty for 
which they were appointed and made the following report 
to the Assembly at the May session, 1739: 

" Persuant thereto" (their commission by the Assembly) "we the 
subscribers did upon the 14th day of November, A. D. 173S, repair to the 
town aforesaid, viewed the circumstances, hearing the debates find them 
universally united together in desiring the said house to be built upon 
the southernmost hill in the ten acres of land appointed by the proprie- 
tors of said town for a place to build a meeting house, a training field, &c. 



62 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Whereupon we beg leave to report to your honors that we think it 
most convenient that a meeting house be erected and built on the hill 
aforesaid, the sills thereof encompassing a certain stake set up one end 
in the ground, marked U with stones about it. 

All which is submitted to your honors' approbation by your honors' 

most obedient servants. 

Joseph Strong ^ 
John Perry V Committee." 

May, 1739. Experience Porter) 

The power granted by the Assembly in October 1738, to 
the town to form a church estate and settle a pastor, was 
soon taken advantage of, and the church organized and 
Mr. Wyman settled over it December 13, 1738, as before 
said. Within a month afterwards, January 8, 1739, a town 
meeting was held to take measures towards carrying out 
the project of building a meeting-house. Plans for the 
building were considered and a committee chosen. But 
the work was delayed because the proprietors of undivided 
land were unwilling to pay the land tax, a portion of which 
was to be appropriated to the building of a meeting-house. 
There was also a difficulty in obtaining the funds which 
had already accrued from the commissioners who had 
been appointed to receive them when the act of incorpora- 
tion was passed. The young pastor afforded efficient aid 
in the endeavor to obtain these funds. He was evidently 
a man of great influence in the town. In 1740 he was sent 
to the Assembly as agent for the town with Isaac Sheldon 
and Joseph Gilbert, Jr., both of Hartford, agents for the 
proprietors, to ask for a law compelling non-resident pro- 
prietors living in Boston, Salem and other places, owning 
four thousand acres of land to pay their taxes which they 
had uniformly refused to pay, the arrearages amounting 
to the sum of ^^150. The Assembly in May, 1740, directed 
the lands of those not paying taxes to be sold at vendue 
after due notification. 

At length about midsummer 1741, the way being clear 
for the erection of the meeting-house, the town voted that 
it should be raised on the 12th of August, 1741. In accord- 
ance with the custom of the times " rum and cyder " were 



REV. EBENEZEB WT3[AN. 63 

provided at the town's expense in honor of the occasion. 
On the day before the great event took place there was a 
large gathering of the citizens such as would be called in 
our time a " bee," to make preparations for the raising in 
leveling the ground, arranging the timbers, etc. The fol- 
lowing anecdote, handed down by tradition, is undoubtedly 
true. At the close of the day, in accordance with the 
sober habits of the times, it was proposed that prayer 
should be offered before 'the men separated for their 
homes. This being agreed to it was suggested that Deacon 
Humphrey Cram should offer prayer, as he was an officer 
in the church and a helper in the work, although he lived in 
South Brimfield (now Holland and Wales), his farm being 
just over the line. Whereupon James McNall, one of the 
Scotch-Irish residents and land-proprietors, objected and 
said " Deacon Cram must not pray for he did not own 
a foot of land in the town." Hence Robert Moore made 
the prayer. And so on the 14th of August 1741, the 
first meeting-house, which stood for about a hundred 
years, was raised. It stood on the summit of the hill, 
now covered with pines, south of the present meeting- 
house. 

The Rev. Mr. Wyman continued his labors until his 
sudden and early death of pleurisy. January 9th, 1746, aged 
thirty-seven. He was a man of good talents and accord- 
ing to Trumbull in his " History of Connecticut," his death 
was greatly lamented. A document remains in the State 
Archives bearing his signature written in a beautiful 
hand. No people then or now would have reason to be 
ashamed of his sign manual or of his intellectual ability. 
His people seem to have been united in him and no doubt 
the somewhat quaint epitaph on his grave-stone in the old 
cemetery, is more true than the figures and poetry on the 
slab are artistic : 

" Lo here the sacred dust of Wyman lies. 
Who fell to death a glorious sacrifice. 
Humility and meekness were his robes. 
His patience seemed to equal holy Job's, 



64 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

His Master's service was his chief delight, 
In which his strength he wasted day and night. 
At length God calls ' My Wyman come away,' 
His soul consents and springs to eternal day." 

The conditions of Mr. Wyman's settlement were that 
he should receive 80 pounds a year for two years from the 
time of his acceptance of the call; that when two years are 
expired he shall receive 15 pounds more each year until 
the sum shall be 140 pounds, which shall then be the reg- 
ular salary. The town also voted to raise 100 pounds to 
aid in building his house, on condition that he accepted 
the call. At a town meeting held June 23d, 1738, it was 
voted "to send for Mr. Wyman to come and give us his 
answer to our call, we being orderly met together." Also 
to accept the following conditions which Mr. Wyman pre- 
sented: 

1. "If the inhabitants of the town of Union will pro- 
cure for me a good warrantee deed of the sequestered land 
lying in said town, excepting the burying place and meet- 
ing-house green. 

2. If the town will fence in and clear ten acres of the 
land suitable for ploughing and mowing. 

3. If the town will provide my wood yearly and bring 
it to my house fit for the fire, and the said inhabitants 
shall have liberty to bring wood ojff my own land so long 
as I can spare the same. Ebenezer Wyman. 

Rev. Mr. Wyman seems to have been a man of large 
property of his own, besides the ministerial lot given by 
the original proprietors. His wife also had a dower from 
her father. 

After the death of Mr. Wyman, Nathaniel Trask, a 
graduate of Harvard in 1742, and Alexander Phelps, a 
graduate of Yale in 1744, preached as candidates. The 
town voted to call Mr. Phelps, with a salary of ^200 and a 
settlement of ^400, old tenor. He declined, and in 1747 
was chosen tutor in Yale college. Mr. Nathaniel Draper, 
who graduated at Yale in 1745, received a call August 



THE MINISTERS SALARY. 



65 



18th, 1747, which he declined. In May, 1748, the town 
voted to call Rev. Jacob Bacon, who had supplied in 1735 
and '^6, but he declined, as previously stated. Then the 
town voted to extend a call to Rev. Caleb Hitchcock, with 
a salary of ;^4oo and a settlement of ^700, old tenor. He 
accepted the call. He belonged to a family of great worth 
and respectability in New England. He was born at 
Springfield and graduated at Harvard in 1743. He was 
ordained at Union, June 21, 1749. His salary of ^^400 and 
settlement of ;^7oo seems large, until we know that it was 
in continental money, which had greatly depreciated at 
this time, so that ^400 was no more than ^100 would have 
been when Mr. Wyman was settled. Rev. George Curtiss 
gives the following fact, to give an idea of what it would 
buy. Rev. Mr. Pomeroy was settled in Hebron in 1737, at 
a salary of ^100, to be paid in grain or as grain goes in 
the market. In 1747, two years before the settlement of 
Mr. Hitchcock, it took ^^420 lawful money to pay his 
original ;^ioo salary. This ^420 was payable in corn at 
12 shillings per bushel, pork at 18 pence and beef at 11 
pence per pound. It seems that since the purchasing 
power of money was fluctuating, Mr. Hitchcock's salary 
was stated not in a fixed sum, but in the value of an 
amount of certain articles, viz., wheat, rye, Indian corn, 
pork, beef, oats, barley, wool, flax and butter, which at the 
time of settlement would be worth ;^4oo. A committee 
was appointed each year to " state the salary." The fol- 
lowing is a copy of such a statement in 1752: 

"Union, April 2, 1752. 
These may certify whom it may concern that according to the Prizes 
of the Respective Articles on which Mr. Hitchcock's Salary was stated, 
said Salary for the year 1751-2 amounts to four Hundred and sixteen 
Pounds, Seventeen Shillings and ten Pence old Tenor, as computed. 
[^416:17:10.] 

William Ward, ] Committee 

By us, Samuel Wood, I for Stating 

JosiAH SiMONDs (?), j Mr. Hitchcock's 
Abner Sessions, j Salery. 

Consented to by me, 

Caleb Hitchcock." 
5 



66 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

In 1753 the salary amounted to ^469.13.2, and in 1754 

to ^474.13-0. 

Mr. Hitchcock was pastor of the church about nine 
years, till 1758, when he was dismissed and deposed from 
the ministry for intemperance. It seems very bad to u's 
to-day that a minister of the gospel should be guilty of 
drunkenness. It is indeed a sad record. But we must 
remember that at that time all classes were in the habit of 
using intoxicating liquors. As we have observed, they 
were considered a necessity at the raising of the meeting- 
house; and at councils of ministers, rum, etc., was always 
provided. Hence we would throw the mantle of charity 
over Mr. Hitchcock's memory, for who knows what tempta- 
tions beset him ? The spiritual results of Mr. Hitchcock's 
ministry are indicated by the fact that eight joined the 
church by profession and nineteen by letter, and 126 chil- 
dren were baptized. These facts show that it was a time 
of growth in the town, by births and by immigration, as 
the number of infant baptisms would indicate the birth of 
at least fifteen children a year. Also, it is said that 
eighteen joined the church on the "half-way covenant" 
plan. 

After Mr. Hitchcock's removal from the ministry, he 
went into business, but failed. He also had domestic 
infelicity. He removed to Brimfield, where he died in an 
epileptic fit, December 6, 1767. Gad, the youngest son of 
the family, was the father of Samuel A. Hitchcock, the 
founder of the Hitchcock Free High School. 

The pastor who followed Mr. Hitchcock was Rev. Ezra 
Horton, who was born at Southold, L. I., December 25, 1733, 
and graduated at Nassau Hall (Princeton), in 1754. He 
was ordained and installed over the church in Union, June 
14, 1759. There was quite an interesting council convened 
for his settlement on the day previous, which held a two 
days' session because the people were not agreed as to how 
he should be settled. The final result of the council leaves 
us in doubt as to how he was settled at last. The General 
Assembly of the state in 1708, had imposed on the churches 



REV. EZRA IIORTON. 67 

a certain confession of faith, and regulations for discipline 
drawn up by a convention of ministers at Saybrook the 
September before, a convention not larger in number than 
many ordinar)^ councils now. Those churches which united 
in that confession and Heads of Agreement, as it was called, 
were to be owned and acknowledged as established by law. 
The first article for the administration of church disci- 
pline was somewhat ambiguous. It reads thus : That the 
elder or elders of a particular church with the consent of 
the brethren of the same, have power and ought to exercise 
church discipline according to the rule of God's word in 
relation to all scandals that fall within the same. 

By some this article was interpreted according to the 
usual Congregational custom, that is, that the pastor acts 
according to the decision of the majority of the church. 
Others, however, held that the pastor had a A^eto power on 
the action of the church, the idea being that the member- 
ship of the church was a silent democracy and the pastors 
a ruling aristocracy. 

So we find the Union church stating to the council that 
they were desirous that Mr. Ezra Horton be settled under 
the ecclesiastical constitution, that is, the Saybrook plat- 
form, " with the exception that y® pastor shall not nega- 
tive y® brethren in y® church procedure." The council 
considered this request and came to the following conclu- 
sion : " That the consciences of both the pastor and the 
brethren are to be subject only to Jesus Christ ; and there- 
fore we mean not, by denying a negative voice to the 
pastor to oblige the pastor to do or not do anything in 
church matters or causes or put any vote of the church 
into execution which may be against the conscience of 
the pastor. And we are agreed in case of difference 
between the pastor and the brethren to refer our differ- 
ences to a lesser Council than that of the Consocia- 
tion, if we can mutually agree upon it or otherwise 
to the Consociation." This plan was pretty generally 
agreed to, but two of the brethern and some of the inhab- 
itants dissented and were desirous to have " the said Mr. 



68 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Horton settled tinder the Presbyterian form of govern- 
ment." Whereupon the council finally concluded that, "in 
hopes that the said dissenting brethren and inhabitants of 
Union may be united in the articles aforesaid, or if the 
church see fit in the Presbyterian form of government, 
we have thought it our duty, considering the great unan- 
imity and affection there appears to exist in the Church and 
Town for the said Mr. Horton, to proceed to the ordination 
of the said Mr. Horton to the pastoral office in this place." 

It is probable that the church " united on the articles 
aforesaid " rather than on the Presbyterian government, 
for Mr. Horton certainly administered his office as a Con- 
gregational minister. 

During Mr. Horton's pastorate, there were many cases of 
church discipline brought before the church. Members 
were repeatedly called to account for long continued 
absence from the Lord's Supper. A case which excited 
considerable attention was the trial before the church in 
1764, of Joshua Webb and Mrs. vSarah Hitchcock for a Aaola- 
tion of the seventh commandment. Cases of disputes be- 
tween members were brought before the church. Timothy 
Wales was censured for taking some rum from his neigh- 
bor Backus' barrel when he was coming up from Wind- 
ham and taking it home and drinking it privately. 

These frequent cases of discipline and trial indicate 
that it was a time of strong feeling in the town. Mr. Hor- 
ton had a hard place, but nevertheless he dwelt among his 
people and loved them with a tender affection. He was 
with them during the trying times of the Revolutionary 
struggle, when his charge was so much straitened that 
they became in debt to him for over two years' salary. 
This was in 1776. The poverty of the people in town at 
this time is plainly brought out by a memorial to the Gen- 
eral Assembly in that year, to abate the taxes in town. 
Extracts from this are given in the account of Union in 
the Revolution. It mentions the fact that " the people 
gave their minister only 67 pounds money a year; yet such 
is their distressed condition that he has thought it his 



CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 69 

duty, and has, in fact, abated four or five pounds a year in 
the last two settlements they have made, besides the 
abatement of some very poor people's rates." 

•Mr. Horton seems to have been greatly beloved and 
respected by most of his people. But there were some of 
his prominent parishioners who became dissatisfied with 
him and made the last years of his pastorate unpleasant. 
In 1783 a council was called to consider the difficulties 
which existed between the pastor of the church and sev- 
eral of its members, also a dispute between members, and 
whether it was best that the pastor be dismissed. This 
council had three sessions, on June 10, August 4 and 6, 
respectively. After long consideration the council came 
to the following conclusions with respect to the matters 
which were brought before them: "In regard to brother 
Solomon Wales, the council are of the opinion that he has 
not paid that sacred regard to the Sabbath and the insti- 
tuted worship of God, in some instances, which he ought 
to have done. In respect to his treatment of Mr. Horton, 
the pastor of the church, we are of the opinion that he has 
been much to blame in relating his mind by letters at 
unseasonable times, and much more by rash, undutiful and 
unchristian language. But most of all, for making a min- 
ister of Christ, especially his own pastor, a subject of ridi- 
cule and mockery, and that the said Wales was guilty of 
disorderly conduct in making objections to the church 
against his brother Child's communing just before the 
celebration of the Lord's Supper. And we have reason to 
believe that he has at times used such language as is 
unbecoming his civil, and much more his Christian char- 
acter, the bad example of which, in a man of his station, is 
extensively pernicious. 

All which things this council disapprove, and earnestly 
desire Esquire Wales to reflect upon the evil nature and 
fatal tendency of them, when found in a professor of 
religion, especially in persons acting in a public character, 
whose business it is to set good and discountenance evil 
examples. 



70 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

With regard to brother Ebenezer Child, the council are 
of the opinion that he has given too much reason to sus- 
pect that he has sometimes indulged a degree of intem- 
perance and profaneness that bear hard upon his Christian 
character, as well as an appearance of at least fraud in 
some instances, which he ought to reflect upon as unbe- 
coming his Christian character, and to guard carefully 
against, for the future exercising greater watchfulness in 
his life and conversation. 

With regard to the Rev. Mr. Horton, it appears to this 
council that he has been unhappy in wording and in 
timing some of his public performances; that he has used 
some unbecoming expressions in his conversation with 
Esquire Wales; that he has used improper and diminutive 
expressions when speaking of some other persons, and that 
he has paid less attention in some instances to the exam- 
ination of those who have sought communion in the 
church, than he ought to have done — this council being of 
the opinion that the examination of candidates for the 
communion ought to be most faithfully attended to. We 
trust, however, that the said duty of ]\Ir. Horton will lead 
him to make suitable reflection upon himself, in this 
respect, and to guard against such improprieties and 
imperfections for the future, and we earnestly entreat him 
as a Christian brother so to do. 

With respect to this important question, whether the 
Rev. Mr. Horton's relations to this church and congrega- 
tion shall be dissolved or not, we have the following things 
to observe : 

We have endeavored to pay a particular attention to the 
present state of this town, and, so far as we are able, to 
look forward to the probable consequences of Mr. Horton's 
continuance, as well as those of his dismission. Notwith- 
standing Mr. Horton's infirmities, we find them too small 
to become a justifiable ground for that uneasiness and dis- 
affection which has risen to such a height in this place, 
much less for his dismission, as arising from any fault on 
his part." 



DISMISSAL OF MR. HORTON. ji 

From this point the manuscript copy is wanting, and 
the form of the result of the council, in their decision to 
dismiss the Rev. Mr. Horton, is lost. It is well known, 
however that he was dismissed for reasons of expediency, 
August 6, 1783. The council gave him the following 
recommendation : " The Rev. Mr. Horton is by this council 
freely and fully recommended as a pious and faithful 
nninister of the gospel, wherever the providence of God 
shall call him." The church also voted unanimously that 
they would recommend him to the communion of the 
churches and the work of the ministry. But Mr. Horton 
never preached anywhere but in Union. He died here, 
January 13, 1789, "much lamented." He was buried in the 
old burying ground, and many of his former flock lie 
around him. 

. When we consider the troublous times through which 
the people of Union passed during the period of Mr. Hor- 
ton's ministry, we must call it an eminently successful one. 
Seventy-two were added to the church during his pastorate 
of twenty-four j^ears. 

After the dismission of Mr. Horton the church was 
without a pastor for thirteen years. It was small in num- 
bers and rent with divisions. Mr. Gary served as supply in 
1786; Mr. Page in 1788. In 1789 Rev. David Rathbone, a 
Baptist minister, supplied for a time, long enough to be 
the means of starting a Baptist society, which was short- 
lived. In the years 1793 and 1794 Rev. Galvin Ingalls, son- 
in-law of Rev. Mr. Horton, preached as stated supply. He 
went to West Stafford. A Mr. Mosely supplied in 1795. 

Some of the reasons for the disturbed and weakened 
state of the church during this period and that following, 
were the union of church and state, the "Half-way cov- 
enant" system, and the influence of the Revolutionary 
war. 

As we have seen, the citizens of the town were taxed 
for the support of the church. The town had a joint 
authority with the church in calling and dismissing the 
minister, etc. Hence there was a party of non-Ghristian 



7 2 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

men in the town who, since they paid taxes for the sup- 
port of the minister and were voters, could have a voice in 
the management of the church. These could, and often 
did, make trouble. The church was not free to manage its 
own affairs, as it saw fit, for its own spiritual good. 

If there were members of other denominations in town, 
who did not attend the Congregational church, these, of 
course, would object to paying taxes for its support, and 
support their own preachers besides. One of these was 
Deacon Samuel Crawford, who was a Baptist and attended 
the Baptist church at West Woodstock. Upon one occasion 
when he neglected or refused to pay his assessment for the 
support of the minister at Union, two of his cattle were 
taken and sold to collect it. Such proceedings, of course, 
led to hard feeling, and throughout the country were a 
powerful factor in leading to the separation of church and 
state. In Connecticut, however, a law had been passed as 
early as 1729, allowing Baptists, Episcopalians and Quak- 
ers, in towns where they had churches, to pay taxes for 
the support of their own denomination. This law was 
doubtless what led to the attempt to establish a Baptist 
society in Union, so as to free its members from the tax 
for the Congregational church. There were too few Bap- 
tists, however, and the attempt failed. 

The " Half-way covenant " was a plan by which church 
membership was granted to those who had been baptized 
in infancy, and who owned in person the covenant made 
in their behalf by their parents, but who made no profes- 
sion of experimental religion. The children of such mem- 
bers could be baptized. This let a great many unregen- 
erate persons into the church, and the effect was disas- 
trous. The importance of repentance was lowered, and 
there was a tendency to lower the standard of church 
membership, and sweep the whole population into the 
church. Then there was a general spiritual decline in the 
religious life of the church throughout the country during 
and after the Revolutionary period. The "absorbing topic 
was the struggle for national independence. All spiritual 



LOW STATE OF THE CHURCH. 73 

interests languished. Money which would have flowed into 
spiritual channels was turned into the scanty treasuries of 
the colonies for Washington's arm)". Then French infidel- 
ity, which was introduced during and after the war, 
became a serious threat and harmed the cause of religion. 
These influences were felt in nearly every parish. It was 
not till the great revival of 1 797-1803 swept over the coun- 
try that the condition of the church began to take on a 
more hopeful aspect. These general influences, combined 
with local causes, reduced the church in Union to the low 
state in which we find it at the close of the last century. 

The first settled pastor after Rev. Mr. Horton's dismis- 
sion was Rev. David Aver)'-, who was called October 4, 
1796, and who preached here till August, 1799, when 
he " was in some sense dismissed," as Elder Curtiss 
said. He graduated at Yale in 1769, was converted 
under Whitfield, and was a chaplain in the Revolutionary 
army, where he was a very popular preacher among the 
soldiers. Dr. Sprague, in his Annals, says of him: "I 
remember him as a person of most commanding presence 
and great animation in the pulpit." After leaving Union 
he preached in Chaplain, Conn. There was only one per- 
son, the widow Elizabeth Coye, who joined the church dur- 
ing Mr. Avery's pastorate. 

About 1800 the church applied to the town to repair the 
meeting-house. The town declined to help, and the church 
repaired it, lathed and plastered it, and put in pews instead 
of benches. 

During the ten years from 1S03 to 1813 the church sunk 
to the lowest point it has ever reached. There were at one 
time only seven resident members. During the twenty- 
nine years between 1783 and 181 2 only three had been 
admitted. From 1803 to 1813 the Lord's Supper was not 
administered. 

For about ten years the Rev. Nathaniel Chapin, a Meth- 
odist minister, supplied. Although the church had, in 
1779, adopted a strict Calvinistic creed, its minister was 
now a Methodist, and hence presumably an Arminian. 



74 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



In 1814 a revival occurred under the preaching of Rev. 
Mr. Fuller and Elder Bloss, a Baptist. Sixteen were added 
to the church during that and the next year. 

In 1 816 the Congregational Ecclesiastical Society was 
organized. This began to take the place of the town in 
providing for preaching. In 181 8, two years later, a law 
was passed in Connecticut, separating church and state. 
Thereafter the church received no aid from the town, but 
depended on subscription and pew rent for the support of 
the minister. It seems that the town had raised only a 
small part of the minister's salary for many years before. 
As early as 1794, an effort was made to raise ;^i,ooo for a 
permanent fund, the interest of which should be used to 
support preaching. In 1795 ^ committee was appointed by 
the town to devise a method of disposing of the " pews 
and pew ground," in the meeting-house. This committee 
recommended that they be sold at auction to the highest 
bidder, and the proceeds devoted towards forming a "dura- 
ble and substantial fund towards resettling and establish- 
ing a gospel minister." The amount realized for the sale 
was ;!^i,o3o. The pews sold were 29 in number. The pews 
were first leased by the Congregational Ecclesiastical Soci- 
ety in 1817. The amount then realized for their sale was 
$100. 

The young society found it difficult to raise enough 
money to support preaching and applied to the Tolland 
County Consociation for aid. This body voted that they 
"viewed with peculiar interest the feeble state of the 
church in Union," and appointed a committee to see what 
assistance could be rendered them. In 1820 the Society 
chose a committee to confer with the Domestic Missionary 
Society of Connecticut to see what help could be ob- 
tained towards supporting preachmg. 

In 181 7 Rev. Ludovicus Robbins preached as supply. 
He was settled afterwards at West Avon, Conn., and later 
served as a home missionary in destitute places in the 
West. Hediedat Algansee, Mich., in 1850. Rev. Dr. Asahel 
Nettleton labored here successfully as a revivalist, in 1818. 



BEV. NEHEMIAH BEARDSLEY. 



75 



In 1820 Rev. Aaron Putnam preached here a few months, 
immediately after he was licensed. He was graduated at 
Brown in 181 1, and studied law before he entered the min- 
istry. He was the son of the Rev. Aaron Putnam of Pom- 
fret. He was an earnest, faithful preacher and most 
successful laborer at Spring-field, N. Y., and Oswego, N. Y., 
where he died in 1831. Rev. Daniel Kendrick, a graduate 
of Brown in 1810, supplied in 1821. The Society voted "to 
concur with the church in giving him a call to settle at 
$400 a year, provided $100 could be obtained from the 
Domestic Missionary Society; one-half of said $400 to be 
paid in money and the other half in house rent, wood and 
such other articles as he may need." But he declined the 
offer. In 1822, there was considerable talk about building 
a parsonage and it was actually voted to build one. But 
probably owing to a lack of funds, the project was never 
carried out. 

In 1823, Rev. William Woodbridge preached during the 
summer, and established the first Sabbath School and a 
Bible class for the adult part of the congregation. He was 
the son of Rev. Asahel Woodbridge of Glastonbury, gradu- 
ated from Yale in 1780, and was appointed the first princi- 
pal of Phillip's Exeter Academy in 1783. He was an 
ordained minister but never a settled pastor. He was 
noted as a teacher of female schools. He died at Franklin, 
Conn., in 1836, at the house of his classmate and intimate 
friend. Dr. Samuel Nott. 

In Feb., 1824, the society voted to settle the Rev. Nehe- 
miah B. Beardsley as pastor with a salary of $350, $104 
being received from the Missionary Society; of this $350, 
$150 was to be in luoney and $200 "in such articles as are 
necessary for family use, said articles to be at a fair market 
price." Rev. Mr. Beardsley was installed in April, 1824, 
the fifth pastor of the church at Union. He continued here 
seven years, being dismissed April i8, 1831. He served 
well and brought 12 into the church during his pastorate. 

The prominent men of the Society, about this time were 
Philip Corbin, Gideon Wales, William Foster, Capt. Arche- 



76 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

laus W. Upham, Robert Lawson, Norman Horton, David 
Coye, Samuel Moore, Capt. Joseph Snell and others. 

In the fall of 1831 there came to town an attractive and 
winning- evangelist in the person of Rev. Andrew H. Reed> 
a graduate of Amherst in 1826. He did excellent work, 
winning many converts. The little church was doubled 
in numbers by this revival, twenty-eight joining in 1831 
and 1832. Among these were some who became strong 
supporters of the church. There were Paul Lawson and 
wife, Charles Hammond, Elisha Griggs and wife, Healy 
Corbin and wife, Asa Coye, Sullivan Booth and wife, 
Laura Griggs (afterwards Mrs. Dexter Moore, the oldest 
member now living [1892] ) and others. 

Rev. Elliot Palmer, a pleasant spoken, godly man, min- 
istered to the church in 1832. He afterwards settled in 
West Stafford. While in Union he encouraged the people 
to build a new meeting-house. 

The old meeting-house had been in use for nearly a 
hundred years. It had been repaired about the year 1800 
and was said to be still in fairly good condition when the 
church abandoned it. Besides desiring a better and 
more commodious place in which to worship, the church 
members had another reason for building a new edifice. 
The old meeting-house was in the hands of the town. It 
was built by the town and had been used not only for 
church services but for town meetings and public gather- 
ings of every sort. This must have detracted somewhat 
from the sacred character of the place. Anyway the 
church had no control over the building and could not call 
their house of worship their own. Hence it was better in 
many ways that they should build their own building and 
have it undisturbed by other gatherings than those for 
worship. The old meeting-house was 45 feet long and 35 
feet wide. It had two doors, one on the east side, and 
double doors on the south. 

" No steeple graced its humble roof. 

With upward pointing spire ; 
Our villagers were far too meek 
A steeple to desire. 



THE OLD MEETING-HOUSE. -jj 

And never did the welcome tones 

Of Sabbath morning bell, 
Our humble village worshipers 

The hour of worship tell." 

Inside there were three aisles, and three galleries. The 
stairs leading to these were called on the south side the 
"men's stairs" and on the north side the "women's stairs." 
The high pulpit was on the north end and had a big sound- 
ingboard overhead. The pews were nearly square and were 
29 in number. There were several in the galleries. The 
glass of the windows was said to have been imported 
from England and to have been very clear. The 
plastering remained white and clean, for there were 
no stoves in the church, and no chimney. But the people 
sat through the service in the cold winter da\'s without 
having the building warmed. Some of the women how- 
ever used to take their foot-stoves to church. In these 
they put some live coals which gave out some heat. It was 
the custom to stand through the long prayer. And it was 
long. The subjects of the prayer were of great number. 
Few indeed were the public events which were not remem- 
bered in the course of the long prayer. The custom of 
standing during the prayer was continued long after the 
new meeting-house was built. One who remembers it tells 
how tired he used to get before it was over standing '' first 
on one foot, then on the other." Deacon PaulLawson con- 
tinued the habit of standing during the prayer as long as 
he attended church. The singing in the old meeting- 
house was congregational. The psalm was started by a 
man with a tuning fork. The people sat always during 
the singing. There was an officer appointed annually 
called the " tything man " whose duty it was to keep order 
during the service. Men now living can remember how 
as boys they were summoned into church, or if they got 
uneasy and noisy in the gallery where they sat, were 
tapped on the head by the rod of the "tything man." 

But with all these peculiarities, as they seem to us now, 
there was true heart worship in the old church on the hill. 



78 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

How the early settlers must have rejoiced when after much 
exertion, their meeting-house stood complete, and they 
had a place in which to worship God far more commodious 
than the rude and small private houses, in which they had 
hitherto met. Doubtless they often returned to their 
homes from their worship there, with their faith strength- 
ened, and wit^i more courage to clear the lands and build 
homes, and more resolution to lead noble lives and train 
up their children in the fear of God. And during the 
ninety-five years in which the people of the town worship- 
ed there, how many fervent prayers ascended, how many 
earnest sermons were preached in the spot now covered 
with pines! It was there that Elder Horton cheered and 
encouraged his flock during the hard and troublous times 
of the Revolutionary struggle, when every nerve had to be 
strained in order to send men to the army, and maintain 
their families at home. And it was there that many young 
people became imbued with a just fear of God and love for 
their fellowmen, and went forth to lead lives of usefulness 
and blessing here and elsewhere. It would be hard to esti- 
mate the amount of good done in the old meeting-house on 
the hill. 

It continued to stand for a number of years after the 
new meeting-house was built. It was finally sold by the 
town and removed. 

It was on Jan. lo, 1833, that the Society voted to choose 
a committee to solicit subscriptions for a new ineeting- 
house, and ascertain where a suitable place could be had 
for the same. This committee consisted of William Foster, 
Philip Corbin, Samuel Moore, Paul Lawson and Shubael 
Hammond. On May 9, 1833, the committee reported rela- 
tive to two pieces of ground. One was a tract of about 
25 rods of land southwardly of the old meeting-house, 
being the property of Mr. Robert Lawson, and staked out 
so as to be conveniently seen by the members of the meet- 
ing. It was further reported that this would be given for 
the purpose of the Society, that is the use of said land for 
a meeting-house site, so long as a meeting-house shall be 



THE NEW MEETmO-HOUSE. 79 

wanted thereon, and on condition that said meeting-house 
be so situated, that said Lawson and his son David would 
give $50 worth of materials for it. 

The Committee further reported that the other piece of 
ground which they had viewed as best suitable for a meet- 
ing-house site, was situated northwardly from the old 
meeting-house near Calvin Marcy's. (The survey of this 
plat of ground is given in the church records). It com- 
prised about 48 rods of ground, being comprised in the 10 
acres of ground which was reserved for a meeting-house 
and green by the proprietors of Union Lands. 

Upon hearing this report the Society voted first to 
build a meeting-house. It was then moved to try the minds 
of the Society relative to the situation of the meeting- 
house. After some debate the moderator (Philip Corbin), 
stating that he took the sense of the Society to be in favor 
of dividing the members of the house to ascertain said 
vote, requested that those who favored the north situation 
would be on the west side of the house, and those opposed 
to that situation on the east side. The members being 
counted in their respective divisions, it was ascertained 
that more than two-thirds of the members who were 
present were on the west side of the house, and the mode- 
rator declared that they had voted to build the meeting- 
house at the place designated northwardly of the old meet- 
ing-house. 

Philip Corbin, Paul Lawson and Asa Coye were chosen 
to let out the work and superintend the building of the 
house. 

The plan which was followed for the building was one 
which was drawn up by the minister, Rev. Eliot Palmer. 

The following description of the house is from the pen 
of Rev. George Curtiss, who describes it as it looked in his 
childhood : " The new meeting-house was unpainted on 
the inside, and the stove pipe went out of the window. A 
large stove stood near the rear of the audience room, about 
mid-way across. It was afterwards moved to the south- 
east corner, then to the northwest corner, and finally gave 



8o ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

place to two stoves, one in the southwest corner and one in 
the southeast corner. There was a high gallery at one end 
of the building, with a narrow and steep staircase leading 
to it. Over this stairway was another leading up to the 
belfry; this stairway was inclosed by a partition, through 
which was a very low door. The pulpit was also high and 
reached by a flight of steps, and underneath it was a sort 
of cupboard where the Sunday school books were kept, 
which originally consisted largely of bound volumes of 
tracts. In front of the pulpit was a long, high board 
which tradition declared was taken from an old Methodist 
meeting-house. Its chief use, in the former times, was to 
hold the communion service at communion seasons, and on 
other Sundays to hold the motley collection of Sunday 
school books. The classes used to file up in front of this 
high altar and help themselves to such library books as 
they could find. 

Foot-stoves used to be seen in goodly numbers in the 
winter, and hot coals were in active demand. Gradually 
the stoves were superseded by soapstones. The bell, which 
is probably the same as at present, was so hung as to be a 
terror to ring, and had the perverse tendency, when rung 
by a tyro, to flop over the wrong way, and it required no 
small skill to turn it back again. 

The meeting-house was painted on the inside a pea- 
green, and a new kind of a structure devised for a sacra- 
mental table, about the same time that the town house was 
built, about 1845." 

The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. 
George A. Calhoun, of North Coventry. 

Rev. Alvan Underwood, of West Woodstock, supplied in 
1833 and 1834, Rev. Abiel Williams, of Dudley, in 1835, and 
Rev. Isaac E. Heaton in 1836 and 1837. 

In the fall of 1839 Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss, of West 
Woodstock, supplied for a few months. (For an accoimt of 
his personal history see the biographical sketch). In the 
following spring he moved to town, and lived first in the 
house with Anna and Mary Sessions (where Mr. Rindge 



SETTLEMENT OF MR. CUBTIS8. 8i 

now does). He afterwards moved to town and lived in 
Merrick Marcy's house (at the south end of the block). It 
was here that the sudden calamity of losing his wife and 
daughter by a stroke of lightning befell him, March 25, 
1842. 

In the fall of 1842 the church and society gave Mr. Cur- 
tiss a call to settle as their pastor, on a salary of $300, " as 
all," he said, ''they believed they were able to make up 
with home missionary aid." The pastor accepted the call 
because it was his impression that the church and society 
were ready to do what they could, and because he was 
interested in the field and felt that he had a providential 
call to labor in this vineyard. He was installed April 12, 
1843, "at which time the roads were blocked with snow- 
drifts." The services of the occasion were conducted as 
follows : Rev. Benjamin Ober, of West Woodstock, offered 
the introductory prayer; Rev. George Calhoun, of North 
Coventry, preached the sermon; Rev. James vSanford, of 
Holland, Mass., made the installing prayer; Rev. Eber 
Carpenter, of vSouthbridge, Mass., gave the charge to the 
pastor; Rev. George H. Woodward, of Stafford, gave the 
right hand of fellowship; the Rev. David Bancroft, of 
Willington, addressed the people, and the Rev. Elliot 
Palmer, of West Stafford, made the concluding prayer. 

When Mr. Curtiss took charge of the church, according 
to his statement, it had been organized 103 years, and there 
had been added 229 members. During his active ministry 
of thirty-five years, eighty-six were added to the church, 
fifteen by letter and seventy-one by profession. The 
greater portion of these were brought in as the results 
of special seasons of religious interest. The following 
account of such seasons is taken from historical sermons 
by Mr. Curtiss : 

"In the fall of 1850 we were visited from on high by a 
precious revival. Many of the young people who were 
children at the commencement of my ministry, were sub- 
jects. The instructions of the pulpit and the Sabbath 
school had not been in vain. Some of the youth had been 
6 



82 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOBT. 

alive to the concerns of their souls several years before 
they forsook all for Jesus. During the spring and summer 
there were several who indulged hope in Christ. In the 
fall of this year Mr. White, a theological student from 
Andover, Mass., taught a select school. The young people 
now came together under favorable influences for intel- 
lectual, and also moral and spiritual improvement. The 
special presence of the Holy Spirit and their daily contact 
with each other deepened the conviction of truth and duty 
upon their minds so that, at a religious meeting held at 
my house, nearly all present, after service, expressed to 
me, on inquiry, their great need of Christ, and soon found 
hope in him. Meetings were held through the fall for the 
benefit of those who had found hope in Christ and for 
those who were still inquiring. The preceptors entered 
heartily into the work with the pastor. This work of 
grace included over twenty who professed to have found 
Christ precious. Most of the subjects of this revival were 
from religious families, and from others who availed them- 
selves of the ministry of the word. The revival spirit con- 
tinued, to some extent, until i860. Thirty-one united with 
the church from 1850 to i860, mostly by profession. The 
select schools continued for a number of years in the 
fall, and were taught by young men of superior talents 
and fervent piety. The preceptors were Messrs. Luther 
White, Edwin Hall, Jr., Henry Pratt, Henry M. Parsons, 
James T. Ford (two seasons), Stephen Harris, Henry J. 
Bruce, missionary to India, Henry B. Ruggles, John O. 
Barrows, for a time missionary to Turkey, and others." 

"We had a precious outpouring of the vSpirit in the 
spring and summer of 1864. Several young men of our 
town had been to the war, and were there led to reflect 
seriously upon their condition in respect to the future. 
Early in the spring of 1864 two of these young men called 
on me for the purpose of learning what they should do to 
be saved. Others were thinking on their ways; and, in 
view of these things, we held a series of meetings during 
the last of May. The Rev. Ezra D. Kinney, who was 



TEMPERANCE REFORM. 83 

preaching- in Westford, assisted in these meetings. Twenty 
or more indulged hope of having passed from death to life 
at that time; many of them were heads of families. As 
the fruit of this revival twenty were added to the church; 
four of them had been to the war. There was also great 
religious interest in the fall of 1865. Mr. Potter, the evan- 
gelist, labored with the people in connection with the pas- 
tor. There were crowded meetings at the union services 
held together with the Methodists. There were sixty 
inquirers and valuable additions to the churches." 

During the pastorate of Mr. Curtiss, a great temperance 
reform took place in town. The church early adopted 
temperance principles, and acted in accordance with them 
in admitting mem^bers. Rev. Mr. Beardsley had been 
instrumental in the formation of a temperance society in 
1830. The following extract from its constitution shows 
the attitude of its members towards the use of intoxica- 
ting liquors: ''The members of this society believing that 
the use of intoxicating liquors is, for persons in health not 
only unnecessary but hurtful, that it is the cause of form- 
ing intemperate appetites and habits, and that while it is 
continued, the evils of intemperance can never be pre- 
vented, do therefore agree that we will abstain from the 
use of distilled liquors except as a medicine in case of 
bodily hurt or sickness, that we will not allow the use of 
them in our families, nor provide them for the entertain- 
ment of our friends, or for persons in our employment, 
and that in all suitable ways we will discountenance the 
use of them in society." 

When we consider the character of the times a cen- 
tury ago with reference to the use of intoxicating liquors, 
we see how these principles were a great advance on those 
previously held. It used to be considered the proper thing 
for the entertainment of visitors and ministers even, to 
have rum and whiskey on the table. At the dinners which 
followed installations, church councils, etc., they were 
always provided. But as the evils of intemperance 
increased, good people began to see the harm which such 



84 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

customs wrought, and a cliange in their attitude took 
place. Among the advocates of temperance at this time 
were Dea. Ezra Horton, Joseph Snell, David Lawson, Paul 
Lawson, and others. 

It used to be the custom for storekeepers to keep rum 
and whiskey to sell, among their regular commodities. In 
1840, Rev. Mr. Curtiss preached a temperance sermon dis- 
countenancing such practice. Among his hearers was Mr. 
Harvey Walker, who had a store at Mashapaug and who 
had hitherto followed the universal custom. But that ser- 
mon influenced him to give up selling liquor.* The follow- 
ing account of the temperance awakening which took 
place in Union, is from the pen of Mr. Curtiss: 

"In the town of Union, November, 1841, there com- 
mence(i a great temperance revival, in which the com- 
munity was greatly interested and took an active part. 
Two of the leading men of the town, who had used liquor 
freely, were together at the hotel in the place, after town 
meeting, the first Monday in October, 1841, where there 
was a man just drunk enough to be noisy. The landlord 
was annoyed and commanded silence, but the drunken 
man would not be silent; whereupon the landlord hurled 
him out of the house to the danger of his life. This sight 
opened the eyes of these gentlemen to the treatment they 
might expect to receive in a similar situation. The one 
said to the other: "You see wha.t we are coming to." 
" Yes," was the reply. They resolved from that hour to be 
temperance men and to act upon temperance principles. 
Upon consultation with each other they determined to 
agitate the question and labor for the benefit of the fallen. 
After the plan was matured, Captain Paul engaged a 
reformed inebriate to lecture on a certain evening in the 
meeting-house. There was a large audience, and the 
lecturer gave a stirring discourse of what his experience 



* It is said that after this decision, an old toper came into the store one day insisting that his 
jug should be filled with whiskey. Mr. Walker took the jug, slipped out at the back door, and 
going to the pond filled it with water. He returned and gave it to the man, saying there was 
no charge for it, and thus got rid of him. 



UNIVER8ALIST SOCIETY. 85 

had been, how he had been redeemed, and how others 
might be saved from intemperance and all its horrors. His 
lecture was well received and aroiised his auditors to 
immediate action. A committee was chosen to draft a con- 
stitution. They had it ready at the next meeting. It was 
discussed and adopted, and many signed the pledge. This 
temperance revival continued unabated till 1850." Lectures 
were frequent and would always draw a full house. 

Early in the spring of 1866 the people were aroused to 
renewed efforts in the temperance cause. Several lectures 
were delivered by Messrs. Pratt and Burleigh; a young 
people's temperance society was formed, called the Band of 
Hope, which continued for several years. The members 
held quarterly meetings and were very active in securing 
pledges against the use of intoxicants and tobacco. This 
society also held yearly celebrations of the Fourth of July 
on the shores of Mashapaug Lake. 

During the early part of Mr. Curtiss' pastorate there 
was a Universalist society in existence in town. This had 
been formed in 1832, under the name of the "First Uni- 
versalist Society of Union." The names of its members 
were : Pain Cleveland, Israel Comstock, Thomas Tourte- 
lotte, Luther Crawford, John Crawford, Trenck Crawford, 
Joel Town, George W. Town, Oliver W. Town, Herman 
Town, Nathaniel Newell, David Newell, Elijah Wales, 
Elbridge Cass, William Eaton, Newman Bugbee, Walter 
Thomas, Moses C. Sessions, E. G. Lindsley, Smith Tourte- 
lotte, Willard Blodgett, Nathan Kinney, John W. Moore, 
Danford Morse, Orlin Nelson, Alvin Wales and Merrick 
Marcy. This society seems to have kept up a form of 
existence till about 1849, and to have had meetings with 
preaching occasionally at Captain Newell's. 

The church was repaired and remodeled in 1864. The 
following is the pastor's account of that enterprise : 

" The hand of God, I believe, moved in this work. He 
put it into the heart of one of the sisters to go forward in 
the work with a liberal hand, and also to interest others, 
until all with united heart and voice said : ' Let us arise 



86 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

and build.' After the carpenters commenced it was found 
that the subscriptions would not cover the cost. It was 
therefore decided that each one should double his sub- 
scription, which would amount to over a thousand dollars. 
It was found, upon a careful estimate, that it would require 
more than two thousand dollars to complete the work. The 
pastor's son, Samuel Ives Curtiss, then a member of 
Amherst college, solicited subscriptions abroad for the 
object, and in the course of a few weeks raised a thousand 
dollars. The newly repaired and remodeled church build- 
ing was rededicated the 25th of July, 1866, nearly thirty- 
two years after its first dedication. The Rev. Charles 
Hammond preached the rededicatory sermon. The day 
for the latter occasion was favorable, the house was filled 
to its utmost capacity, the sermon was able and instruct- 
ive, and the other services appropriate. The entertainment 
at the Town hall, which followed, was generous and pleas- 
urable, and every way suited to close so important and joy- 
ful an occasion." 

The Rev. Mr. Curtiss continued his labors for the 
church at Union till 1874, when his resignation as acting 
pastor was accepted, and he was vaixdo. pastor emeritus. Late 
in the year it was voted to invite Rev. John P. Watson to 
supply the pulpit. He accepted and began his labors Jan- 
uary I, 1875. He was born in Gilford, N. H., November 22, 
1826. He was the third son of a large family, whose bur- 
dens in life were heavier than those usually allotted to man- 
Under somewhat adverse circumstances he was prepared 
for college at Gilford Academy, and graduated from Bow- 
doin College in 1856, with high honors as a scholar and 
greatly esteemed for his Christian character. For three 
years succeeding his college course he was principal of the 
academy at Limerick, Me., where one of his predecessors 
was Rev. Samuel Harris, D.D., LL. D., formerly president 
of Bowdoin College, and now a professor in the Yale 
Divinity School. While here he distinguished himself as 
a teacher of marked thoroughness and a superior disciplin- 
arian, bringing the institution into a very prosperous con- 



REV. J. P. WATSON. 87 

dition. In 1859 he entered Bangor Theological Seminary, 
remaining there only a year, however, but completing his 
theological course at the Union Theological Seminary of 
New York city, in 186 1. While in this seminary he 
changed his church relationship from the Free Baptist to 
the Presbyterian. In 1861 he was ordained as an evangel- 
ist by the New York Presbytery. The same year he 
became pastor of the Congregational church at Putnam 
Heights, Conn. From there he removed to Cross Roads, 
Pa., where he was engaged in teaching. In 1869, returning 
to New England, he became pastor of the Congregational 
church at Leverett, Mass., laboring there three years. He 
then supplied for a year at Shutesbury, Mass. His next 
pastorate was in Union. He was a. gifted and eloquent 
preacher, and his exceedingly interesting discourses will 
be long remembered by those who had the privilege of 
hearing him. He continued the custom of preaching two 
sermons each Sunday. He took an active interest in the 
Sunday school, which was then large and flourishing, there 
being many children in the church. He had it thoroughly 
organized and devoted himself to the work of librarian. 
Never before or since has the Sunday school librar)'- been 
in as good condition or so thoroughly regulated, as when 
Mr. Watson had it in charge. A large number of new 
books were added during this time. The entire school felt 
the inspiration of Mr. Watson's energy and enthusiasm. 
The church was in a very flourishing condition during the 
three years of Mr. Watson's supply. The meetings were 
largely attended. The society voted to give Mr. Watson a 
salary of $700, which was the largest salary the church has 
ever attempted to raise. Mr. Watson, however, for reasons 
of his own, declined to receive that portion of this sum 
which came from the Home Missionary vSociety, accepting 
only $500. In 1875 the church voted to extend a call to 
Mr. Watson to become their settled pastor, which, how- 
ever, he declined. 

For a considerable portion of the time of Mr. Watson's 
supply in Union, he was also acting school visitor. He 



88 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

entered into the work with great zeal and energy, deter- 
mining to improve the character of the schools in town. 
He examined the candidates for teachers thoroughly, see- 
ing that only competent ones were employed. He visited 
each school very frequently and became perfectly 
acquainted with every detail. The same order and system 
were manifested in his management of the schools which 
were shown in the regulation of the Sunday school library. 
He introduced new text books and made the teaching more 
thorough. But people are slow to move. There were 
many conservatives in town who were not ready for such 
thorough and radical improvement and would rather have 
things move on in the same old way. Then many were 
offended because of his refusal to grant certificates to can- 
didates whom he believed incompetent to teach. Hence 
towards the last part of his term he had to meet consider- 
able opposition. His stern manner at times, and his strict 
requirements often made the school children dread his 
visits. But they have grown up to see how his action was 
designed for their highest welfare and to appreciate and 
respect him. The writer, who was one of them, looks back 
to the schools u^der Mr. Watson's management as the best 
regulated and superintended of any he ever attended in 
town. It is safe to say that the town has never had an 
Acting School Visitor who performed his work so 
thoroughly or labored so much for the good of the schools 
as Mr. Watson. 

But the opposition which he created in town lessened 
his power for good in the church, and the last part of his 
period of supply was somewhat clouded. Moreover his 
health began to fail. He continued preaching however 
until the early part of the year 1878. Probably the church 
at Union never had a preacher of greater ability than Mr. 
Watson. His preaching was characterized as thoroughly 
evangelical, scholarly, original and able, winning to him 
thoughtful and earnest minds, deeply impressing them 
with the truths of the Gospel. He became greatly inter- 
ested in the town of Union and in its people during his 



REV. GEORGE CURTISS. 89 

residence here which was first with the family of Deacon 
Lawson and afterwards that of Mr. William Corbin. 
When Rev. Charles Hammond died in 1878, leaving the 
work on the history of Union incomplete, Mr. Watson 
took the material into his hands with a view of completing 
it. He spent many an hour in talking with the old people 
in town such as Captain Paul, about the old times. His 
contribution to the history was mainly in adding to the 
genealogies. He kept the material till his death. 

After leaving Union, Mr. Watson traveled in Europe, 
spending six months in visiting England, France and 
Italy. Soon after his return he entered upon his fourth 
and last pastorate at Wellfleet, Mass. After remaining 
there four years he accepted the position as the Boston 
agent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, having his 
office in the Congregational House, Boston. His health 
gradually failed however during this time and he died of 
Bright's disease, at Laconia, N. H., January 22, 1887. 

About the time that Mr. Watson ceased preaching at 
Union, Rev. George Curtiss came to town with his two 
children on a visit to his father. He was then without a 
charge, and the committee asked him to preach here. The 
elder Mr. Curtiss and his wife were both sick and George 
was not in very good health, but he consented to do what 
he could. He did not assume the place of pastor or agree 
to do more than he felt able to perform. He preached 
only one sermon on Sunday. This was a departure from 
the old custom and was not very well liked by some at first. 
But people soon began to feel as though they derived as 
much good by having more time in the Sunday school, as 
by the old tedious way of holding another service after 
Sunday school. 

But as a matter of fact Mr. Curtiss did most that a min- 
ister usually does. He attended the Sunday school and the 
weekly prayer meetings, visited the people to some extent, 
attended the gatherings of the Ladies' Aid Society and 
held a number of meetings in the school-houses. He did 
what work he felt able to do and the people paid him what 



90 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



they felt disposed. The church prospered while he was 
supplying. Very pleasant relations existed between the 
people and the minister as one who had grown up among 
them, the son of their former beloved pastor. Extra meet- 
ings were held during the winter of 'So and '8i and perma- 
nent good was done. Several united with the church on 
the first Sunday in May, 1881, at which time Mr. Curtiss 
closed his labors here, having received a call to the 
Wethersfield Avenue Congregational church at Hartford. 

During the rest of the year of '81 the church had no 
regular supply, although Rev. Mr. Avery of West Wood- 
stock preached several Sabbaths. In the spring of 1882 
the society voted to extend a call to Rev. William Howard, 
which he accepted and began his labors here April 8, 1882. 
He was born in Folkstone, Kent, England, September i, 
1831 and came to this countr}^ in June, 1852. He was 
married March 19, 1854 and ordained as a Methodist minis- 
ter, April 19, 1859, in New Haven, by Bishop Edmund S. 
Janes of the N. Y. East Conference. He preached in that 
conference till 1864, in the following places : Southold, L. 
I., Southampton, Litchfield, Wilton, Ansonia and Middle- 
field, Conn. In 1864 he became a Congregationalist and 
preached in the following Congregational churches : at 
North Guilford, Northfield (in Litchfield), West Avon, 
Quonnock (in Windsor) whence he came to Union. He 
moved into the house of Rev. George Curtiss, which the 
latter generously offered to sell to the society for a low 
price. The society voted to accept his offer April 28, 1882, 
and the following fall built a new barn on the place. 

Mr. Howard remained in Union till November 23, 1884, 
giving good satisfaction as a preacher. He held week day 
prayer meetings at the parsonage which were generally 
well attended. 

When Mr. Howard left Union he went to Lebanon, 
Conn., where he preached till May 6, 1888. After resting 
in Hartford for a time he preached during the years '89 
and '90 in Staffordville, living in Hartford most of the 
time. During this time his wife's health declined and she 
died August 24, 1890. They had two sons, John Edward, 



BEV. I. P. SMITH. 91 

who died March 2, 1878 and John, who is now (1892) a 
physician in Hartford. In the spring- of 1891 Rev. Mr. 
Howard began preaching again in Union. 

After he left town the first time the church was without 
a minister till July 11, 1885, when Rev. Isaiah P. Smith 
accepted the call of the church and moved to town with 
his wife and three children, Perley, Charles and Brainerd. 
He came from Falmouth, Me., where he had been preach- 
ing. He was a graduate of Bowdoin college and of 
Bangor Theological Seminary. He continued preaching 
here for about three years. During the fall of '86 revival 
meetings were held and Rev. Mr. Whittier, an evangelist, 
labored here for a time. Several of the young people 
were converted and afterwards united with the church. 
Mr. Smith continued preaching here till October 1888. He 
went from Union to Southwick, Mass., and afterwards to 
Wolcott, Conn. 

Rev. Oscar Bissell of Westford preached during the 
years 1889 and 1890. He preached at Union in the morn- 
ing and at Westford in the afternoon. In April, 1891, Rev. 
Mr. Howard returned to Union and has supplied the pul- 
pit since that time (till 1892). 

On December 13, 1888 the church celebrated the 150th 
anniversary of its organization. Besides the people of 
town there were a goodly number of former residents and 
friends present. Rev. George Curtiss preached the anni- 
versary sermon, tracing the history of the church during 
the 150 years of its existence. No other than he was so 
well fitted to perform this duty, for his father having 
been pastor of the church thirty-five years, he was reared 
in it, and in later years himself preached in it awhile, so 
that he could speak vividly and pleasantly of a consider- 
able portion of its history from personal reminiscence. 

Interesting incidents were the reading of the following 

letters: 

From Prof. Curtiss of Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Chicago, December 8th, 1S88. 
I regret exceedingly that I cannot be present at the celebration of 
the one hundred and fiftieth annivei'sary of the founding of the Congre- 
gational church at Union. 



92 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOBT. 



I am impressed with two things in this connection : i — with the won- 
derful longevity of Christian churches in general, and of this church in 
particular ; 2 — with the amount of good that has been accomplished by 
the church for the town in improving its moral condition, and in train- 
ing up young men and women for usefulness in other places. Surely 
there is every reason for maintaining the church. May it be continued 
as long as the town of Union shall exist. 

I feel personally grateful for my connection with the church, and 
honor her as my spiritual mother through whom I received my religious 
life. Give my kindest greetings and warmest congratulations to all my 
old friends. Your affectionate brother, 

Samuel Ives Curtiss. 
Frojit Union boys at Yale Ufiiversity. 

New Haven, December loth, 1888. 
To the Congregational church in Union. 

Dear Friends • — As we hear that you are about to celebrate the anni- 
versary of the organization of the church, our thoughts turn back in 
grateful remembrance to old Union, and our hearts are filled with 
thanksgiving that our childhood was surrounded with such ennobling 
Christian influences. 

We wish to express our love for the church of our youth, and can say 
heartily, in the words of the elder President Dwight, 
" I love Thy kingdom, Lord, 
The house of Thine abode. 
The church our blest Redeemer saved 
With His own precious blood." 

We often think of the church at Union, earnestly desiring its welfare 
and prosperity, especially in spiritual things ; that God who has planted 
it and watered it may still continue to watch over it and bless it, and 
work through it for the salvation of souls in Union. 

As we think of the influence which the church of Christ in Union 
exerted over our early lives, an influence which we intend shall spread 
to all those we meet, wherever may be our pathwaj' in life ; as we think 
of all the noble men and women who spent their earlier years in Union 
and went out to bless humanity ; as we think of those who in the 
impressible part of their lives are now receiving their ideas of Christian- 
ity from its members, and whose lives, directed in the right way, may 
be powers in the world for good, we cannot help feeling that the church 
of Christ in Union has done a noble work, and that it still has much to 
do. 

May God grant that in His book, the pages which shall record the 
next hundred and fifty years of this church may be written thick with 
records of loving deeds and unselfish lives ; and that each one of us, 



DEACONS OF THE CHURCH. 93 

realizing our responsibility and the influence we may exert for Him, 
may so live that those who are looking up to us for Christian teaching 
may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned of 
him. 

Geo. N. Lawson, \ 

^T,r TT r^ ' Members of the 

Wm. H. Corbin, 



TT ' TVT T ' \ church in Union. 

Harvey M. Lawson, ; 



The following pleasing sketch of the deacons of the 
church was given by Rev. Mr. Curtiss on the above occa- 
sion : 

" The first deacon elected after the church was organ- 
ized was William Ward. (He fell and died suddenly when 
out after an armful of wood — probably in 1789). 

In the course of the ministry of Mr. Horton, Messrs. 
Ward and Cram were deacons. Deacon Cram was dis- 
missed and joined the church in Holland, Mass., and Abner 
Sessions was chosen in his place. ' Levi Lyon was elected 
in 1782 or '83.'. The next deacons that appear, so far as I 
can find, are Ezra Horton and Joseph Snell. 

And now that I have come into the region of personal 
reminiscences, the only way that you can get anything 
fresh out of me, since many of you are familiar with the 
same things, is to let me meander here and there at my 
own sweet will, and touch on those things, and only a few 
of them, that touched me. 

There was Deacon Horton. Many a time have I led the 
good old man home from prayer meeting. Large crutches 
he had, and he leaned on them and walked slowly as the 
little boy led, and he wore great green glasses or goggles 
on his eyes. He was never cross at all, at least to me. 
His voice was pleasant and his talk entertaining, and 
sometimes he used to slip into my hand a great old- 
fashioned cent. He was a fine talker, and people said that 
he had a wonderful memory that ran away back to Revo- 
lutionary times. I wonder if they ever called him little 
priest Horton in the old days when his father was a 
minister; and if other boys told him that it was wicked 
for him to laugh, because he was a minister's son. I guess 
he did laugh, though, for all that, and he lived to be a good 



■94 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOMY. 



old man, and went to his rest, as father said, as a shock of 
corn fully ripe. 

There was Deacon Booth, a young brown-haired, 
bright-eyed, active kind of a man, a school teacher, a 
farmer, and a glorious minister's helper. He died young, of 
scarlet fever, or canker rash, as they called it. And the 
older people wept, and the children were sorry. He left a 
bright family of children, and one that was born after he 
died, all, together with his aged father, to the care of that 
noble woman, his wife, who bravely brought up the chil- 
dren and cared for the infirm father till his death. vSuch 
women as Minerva Booth may not make much stir in the 
world, but they are worthy of all honor, and are God's 
jewels. 

Away back in the fartherest recess of memory stands 
a good man of serene countenance, clad in a new farmer's 
frock, that reached down toward his feet like the robe of a 
high priest, a novelty to a lisping child, and he held a whip 
in his hand, and wanted the little boy to kiss him, and he 
came to move our goods to Union. That is perhaps the 
oldest picture in all my mental gallery— my first sight of 
Deacon Paul Lawson. But not the last sight, for every 
Sunday and every prayer meeting when I was present I 
saw him. And didn't he literally lift up holy hands with- 
out wrath and doubting, and those full lips would tremble 
with the fervent prayer that he so reverently offered ? 
Alas ! childhood is not always reverent, and occasionally 
thinks prayers too long, especially when bound to stay on 
its knees, and sometimes the blessed prayer would bring to 
weary boyhood balmy sleep. How many other blessings 
those prayers brought to us all we cannot tell. 

His memory is fragrant with the sweet odor of his good 
deeds in acts of faith and love. He believed that 'pure 
religion, and undefiled before our God and Father, is this 
— to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and 
to keep himself unspotted from the world.' 

He was admitted to the church November 20, 1831, and 
was chosen deacon upon the resignation of Deacon Ezra 



DEACONS OF THE CHUBGH. 95 

Horton, June 9, 1835. His pastor, among many other 
words of appreciation and praise, says : ' I alwa3^s found 
him at his work, true and faithful in his callings.' 

For twenty years before his death he was so blind as 
not to be able to read his Bible, and in the latter part of 
his life he was quite hard of hearing also. It was a great 
trial, but it had its compensations. His experience in those 
days reminds one of the lines of Alice Gary: 

' My soul is full of whispered song; 

My blindness is my sight ; 
The shadows that I feared so long 

Are all alive with light.' 

Mr. Healy Corbin officiated at communion seasons for 
some time as deacon, although declining an election to the 
office. He was for a long time a valuable member of the 
church, together with his wife. Both of them retnoved 
from the place more than twenty years ago, and for ten 
years have rested from their labors. All their six children 
have belonged to this church; five of them survive, and 
'one is not, for the Lord took her.' 

Myron Kinney and E. N. Lawson were elected deacons 
September 4, 1863. Deacon Kinney afterwards removed 
from the town, leaving Deacon Lawson to fill the place of 
his honored father. 

It is an interesting fact in regard to the Lawson family 
— that some of them have been members of the church 
ever since it was formed — that the present Deacon E. N. 
Lawson is the fifth and his children the sixth in direct 
descent from John Lawson, one of the original settlers of 
the town, and a communicant; and in the words of our 
brother : ' In all the 150 years of the history of the church, 
there has not been a time when there has lacked a male of 
the name to stand before the Lord.' " 

This sketch of the church at Union can no more fit- 
tingly be closed than by repeating the words which Rev. 
George Gurtiss used in closing his anniversary sermon : 

"The influence of the church for good is not all 
summed up in recording the numbers that have united 



96 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

with the church. She has held forth the word of life for 
150 years. Her influence has streamed afar. Her sons and 
daughters have come to honor. The whole community has 
been quickened by her presence. She has fostered the love 
for learning, so that from her assemblies have gone forth 
men to sit in the halls of legislation, to preside over the 
representatives of her State Legislature, to fill the chairs 
of secular and sacred learning, to preach the everlasting 
gospel, or to bear nobly their part in the more private but 
no less worthy walks of life. Her daughters have filled 
honored places as teachers, and been the worthy wives of 
ministers and mothers of a goodly race. Angels of mercy, 
too, and gentle ministers of patience to walk among the 
sick and suffering. It is a goodly record, and one that she 
was able to make through the blessing of God and the aid 
of sister churches in this commonwealth, through the 
Home Missionary Society, during a period of more than 
seventy years. 

And now, though outward circumstances may be 
untoward, they are not worse, nay, much better than in 
the early days. With her house of worship, with her par- 
sonage, recently secured, with her many friends and the 
vigorous life now shown by her younger members, above 
all, with the blessing of God upon her, she still has a glo- 
rious mission before her. 

Long may the altar of true devotion smoke with the 
sweet incense of prayer on this ancient hilltop, and the 
people continue to go up to the house of the Lord. Long 
may the good old town abide, and this beloved church send 
forth her noble offspring to bless the world with her holy 
charities and godly deeds. 

Still may she continue to preach the gospel to others 
through the lips of her sons. And, as the waters that fall 
on this high dividing ridge of land plow apart for a time, 
as their course lies toward the Quinnebaug or Willimantic, 
yet come together again in the marriage bond of a com- 
mon river, and thus onward to the great sea, so shall all 
the drops and all the rills of holy influences that have sped 



FUNDS OF TEE CHURCH. 



97 



eastward, westward, to north and south, meet in that com- 
mon tide of love that flows toward the eternal throne. 

O church of the living God ! O sweet mother of holy 
souls! 'They shall prosper that love thee.' 'Peace be 
within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For 
my brethren and companions' sakes I will now say. Peace 
be within thee.' " 



The funds belonging to the Congregational church have 
been received from the following persons, who should be 
held in grateful remembrance : 

Miner Grant, of Stafford Street, . $ 200 
Deacon Ezra Horton, .... 100 

Susan Lawson, 30 

Mary Lawson Blodgett, .... 50 

Asa Coye, ...... 400 

Rev. Charles Hammond, . . . 100 

Philip D. Armour, of Chicago, . . 100 

Mrs. Julia A. Walker, .... 500 



Total, $1,480 

Some of this, however, was lost by the failure of the 
savings bank at Stafford Springs. 



LIST OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 

Names of the members of the Church of Christ in 
Union, Connecticut, who were admitted before the Rev. 
Ezra Horton was ordained pastor, June 14th, 1759. 

[Copied from the Union Church Records. There were other mem- 
bers at the time of organization not given here]. 

William Ward, deacon ; Humphrey Cram, deacon (dis- 
missed); Rev. Caleb Hitchcock, predecessor of Rev. Mr. 
Horton, dismissed for intemperance ; Sarah Hitchcock, 
his wife, excommunicated for adultery with Joshua Webb; 
Daniel Badger, Abner Sessions, deacon ; Mary Sessions, 
his wife, widow of Rev. Ebenezer Wyman, the first minis- 

7 



c,8 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

ter ; her maiden name was Wright, born at Woburn, Mass.; 
Jeremiah Bishop, Martha Bishop, his wife ; Jeremiah 
Bishop, Jr., Hannah Bishop, his wife ; Margaret Crawford, 
Elizabeth Ward, Edward Honghton, Abigail Houghton, 
his wife ; Nehemiah Coy, Samuel Wood, Lydia Wood, 
his wife ; Ebenezer Wales, Deborah Wales, his wife ; 
Joshua Burges, Elisha Wales, Joshua Webb, Caleb 
Loomis, Abigail Loomis, his wife ; Charity Loomis, Tabi- 
tha Sprague, Hannah Woodworth, Aaron Clark, Sarah 
Clark, his wife ; James Crawford, Hugh Crawford, 
Nathaniel Walker, Dinah Walker, his wife. 



Names of members of the church admitted during the 
pastorate of Rev. Ezra Horton. 
December 1759 — Caleb Abbott, Elizabeth Abbott, his wife, 

by letter. 
January 30, 1760 — John Hendrick, Abner Loomis, Robert 

Crawford. 
May I, 1760 — Mary Horton, Widow Sarah Loomis. 
July 6, 1760 — Lydia Rabbins, by letter. 
August 10, 1760 — Abijah Earned. 
January 29, i76i^Lucy Robbins, by letter. 
July 12, 1 76 1 — Mehetable Paul. 
March 9, 1762 — Zerviah Walker. 
June 15, 1762 — John Crawford. 
August 17, 1762 — Nehemiah May, Anner May. 
June 17, 1764 — Solomon Wales, Lucy Wales, Timothy 

Wales, Sarah Wales. 
July 29, 1764 — Susanah Wales. 
June 3, 1765 — Elizabeth Bascom. 
February 3, 1766— Mary Crawford. 
May 23, 1766— Abigail Williams. 
April 26, 1767 — Mary Marcy. 
June 28, 1767 — Mary Abbott. 
January 10, 1768— Mary Hutchinson. 
January 24, 1768 — Widow Jerusha Enos. 
August 14, 1768— Rebecca Walker. 



LIST OF CHURCH 3IEMBERS. 99 

August 28, 1768 — Phineas Lovejoy. 

October 9, 1768 — Esther Wales. 

March 25, 1770— Nathan Abbott, Judith Abbott. 

April 15, 1770 — Anna Ward. 

May 20, 1770 — Lucy Cady. 

January 20, 177 1 — Anna Hendricks. 

August 4, 177 1 — Samuel Abbott, Rachel Abbott. 

August I, 1773 — Obadiah Lilly. 

October 18, 1773 — Damaris Holton. 

November 21, 1773 — John Sessions, Ellis Sessions, his wife. 

May 15, 1774— William Abbott, Mary Abbott. 

June 5, 1774 — -Jonas Drake. Sarah Moor, wife of John Moor. 

February 5, 1775 — Richard Child, Abigail Child, his wife. 

March 26, 1775 — Elizabeth Coburn, Daniel Coburn, by let- 
ters ; Rachel Coburn, his wife, by letter. 

September 22, 1776 — Mary Horton. 

May 25, 1777 — Hannah Moor. 

July 20, 1777 — Martha Lilly, by letter. 

August 3, 1777 — Mehetable Moor. 

August 31, 1777 — Zib a Winter. 

June 7, 1778 — Hannah Hendrick. 

Jul)^ 8, 1779 — Levi Lyon, Ruth Lyon, his wife. 

July 2, 1780 — Nathaniel Sessions, Irene Sessions, his wife. 

October 7, 1781 — Althea, wife of Ebenezer Stoddard. 

November 7, 1782 —Ebenezer Child. 

April 4, 1783 — Hannah Bartlett, Robert Lawson, Anna 
Lawson, his wife ; John Lilly, David Roberts and wife. 

1778 — John Taylor and wife. 

Rev. Ezra Horton was dismissed August 6, 1783. 



Names of members admitted while the church was with- 
out a settled pastor, 1783 to 1797. 
November 28, 1786 — Ezra Horton, .Olive Horton, his wife. 



Names of members admitted during the pastorate of Rev. 

David Avery, April, 1797 to August, 1799. 
1797 — Widow Elizabeth Coy. 



joo ECCLESIASriCAL HISTORY. 

Names of members admitted while the church was with- 
out a settled pastor, August, 1799 to April, 1824. 

August, 1812— Lydia, wife of Joseph Snell, Sr. 

April 18, 1813 — Joseph Snell, Jr., dismissed March 20, 1831. 

July 5, 1814 — Silence, wife of Nathaniel Newell ; Chloe, wife 
Joel Kinney, Susannah Lawson. 

August 28, 1814 — Bethiah, wife of William Moor, dismissed 
March 25, 1832; Betsey Snell. 

April 30, 1815 — Samuel Moor, Anna, wife of Josiah Eaton, 
Phebe Lawson, dismissed June 3, 1827, to join church 
in Smithfield, N. Y.; Lucinda Horton. 

July 10, 1815 — Joseph Moor, Allice Moor, his wife, Sarah 
Lawson, wife of David Lawson ; Asuba Moor, wife of 
Thomas Moor. 

November 5, 1815 — Capt. Joseph Snell, Lydia Eaton, dis- 
missed September 14, 1828; Nancy Moor. 

June 15, 1817 — Mary, wife of Dr. Shubael Hammond; Lovisa 
Eaton, dismissed February 12, 1826; Sarah Moor. 

September 21, 181 7 — Polly Sessions, Anna Griggs, Polly 
Horton. 

November 28, 1819 — Hannah, wife of Joseph Snell, Jr.; 
Daniel Atwood and his wife. 



Names of members admitted during the pastorate of Rev. 

Nehemiah B. Beardsley, April 14, 1824 to April 18, 

1831. 
November 7, 1824 — Anna Eaton, by letter from First 

Church in Ashford. 
March 6, 1825 — Ataresta, wife of Elias Severy, by letter 

from Church in Chaplin. 
May 7, 1826 — Elias Severy, dismissed December 25, 1857; 

Amy Moore, Lucinda Moore, Mary Lawson. 
September 18, 1826 — Mar jury Snell, wife of Capt. Joseph 

Snell, by letter from West Stafford. 
November 5, 1826 — Archelaus Upham, by letter from 

Thompson ; Betsey Upham, his wife, by letter from 

Thompson. 



LIST OF VHURCH MEMBERS. loi 

May 3, 1828— Ruth Hawes. 

September 6, 1829 — Hannah Moore, dismissed January, 
1842, and o-iven a letter of recommendation to the 
church in Dwight, Cherokee Nation ; Louisa Aloore. 



Names of members admitted while the church was without 
a settled pastor, April 18, 1831 to April 12, 1843. 

November 20, 1831 — Polly Boyden, by letter from Presby- 
terian Church, Vernon Centre, N. Y.; Paul Lawson, 
Charles Hammond, Lydia Moore, Alexander Strong, 
dismissed April 20, 1837; Lucinda Strong, his wife; 
dismissed April 20, 1837; Thomas Moore, Austin Moore, 
Esther Wales, Louisa Newell. 

April I, 1832 — Marshall Severy, (excommunicated Novem- 
ber 13, 1855, for stealing); Chloe Severy, Elisha Griggs, 
Sarah Griggs, his wife; Hannah Griggs, Laura Griggs, 
Healy Corbin, dismissed August 11, 1864; Nancy Cor- 
bin, his wife, dismissed August 11, 1864; Widow Lucy 
Coy, Cyrus Coy, Asa Coy, dismissed June 20, 1840; Lucy 
Coy, Sullivan Booth, ]\Iinerva Booth, his wife; Joanna 
Sessions. 

July 13, 1832 — Mrs. Lydia Lawson. 

November 4, 1832 — Mrs. Abigail vStrong, Gideon Wales, Jr. 

May 20, 1838 — Mrs. Elvira Marcy, wife of Calvin Marcy, by 
letter from Church in Chaplin. 

June 3, 1838 — Joanna Moore, by letter from Dudley, Mass. 

July 22, 1838— Mrs. Ann Bartlett, by letter from Eastford. 

May 2, 1841 — Mrs. Rebecca W.Walker, wife of Joseph Walker. 

July 4, 1841 — Levi Severy, Sophia Severy, his wife; Lovisa 
Lawson, dismissed; Louisa Bartlett, wife of John Bart- 
lett, by letter from Church in Westford. 

December, 1841 — Harvey Walker, Julia W. Walker, his wife, 
both by letter from Church in Westford. 

September 25, 1842 — Nancy Brown, by letter from Church 
in East Stafford. 

November 6, 1842 — Lucy Kinney, wife of Nathan Kinney; 
Lovisa R. Corbin. 



I02 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Names of members admitted during the pastorate of Rev. 
Samuel I. Curtiss, from April 12, 1843 to 1875, and from 
that date to 1892. 

November 5, 1843 — Eliza Ives Curtiss, wife of Rev. Samuel 
I. Curtis, by letter from Church in East Stafford. 

May 5, 1844 — Arnold Paine, excommunicated May 3, 1850, 
for intemperance; Harriet Paine, his wife. 

June 7, 1846 — Harriet Sessions, wife of Alexander Sessions, 
by letter from Church in Brookfield, Mass. 

September 5, 1847 — Nancy D. Corbin. 

November 19, 1848 — Mrs. Lomena Paine, by letter from 
Church in Monson, Mass.; Mrs. Martha Town, wife of 
Joseph Town, by letter from Church in East Stafford. 

January 6, 1850 — Adaline Paul. 

October 3, 1850 — Mrs. Mary P. McNall Crawford, wife of 
Fayette Crawford, by letter from Church in Scantic. 

January 5, 1851 — Charlotte J. Corbin, dismissed June 22, 
1862; Loretta Corbin, dismissed May 5, 1861; Harriet 
Bosworth, Sarah A. Paul, Mary Ann Smith, dismissed 
1854; Ezra M. Horton, William Groves, withdrew and 
joined Methodist Church, i860; Loretta A. Wales, dis- 
missed; Lucy R. Corbin, dismissed August 11, 1868; 
Mary M. Corbin, dismissed March 28, 1875; Rebecca 
Corbin, dismissed March 30, 1868; Chloe E. Severy, 
Elias Henry Severy, George Curtiss, dismissed Decem- 
ber 17, 1865. 

March 2, 185 1 — Myron Kinney, dismissed Jtme 5, 1881; Sarah 
E. Upham. 

May 4, 185 1— Edwin W. Upham. 

November 6, 1853 — Elvira Corbin, dismissed December 17, 
1865. 

March 9, 1856, Mrs. Mary Ann Rindge, wife of Thomas 
Rindge. 

July 5, 1857— Laura W. Walker, dismissed July 1865; 
Josephine Walker. 

November 7, 1858— Edwin N. Lawson, Esther C. Lawson, 
Mrs. Sophia Leland, wife of Benjamin Leland, dis- 
missed December 25, 1859; Sophia W. Leland, dismissed 
i860; Sarah L. Leland, dismissed December 25, 1859. 



LIST OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 



103 



March 6, 1859 — Juliett Booth, dismissed; Samuel I. Ciirtiss, 
Jr., dismissed November 3, 1867. 

May 2, 1859 — Mrs. Emeline Eldridge, dismissed June 30, 1861; 
William M. Corbin. 

January 6, i860 — Roswell Blodgett, dismissed May 4, i860. 

July 6, 1 86 1 — Mrs. Betsy Howard, wife of Marvin Howard, 
dismissed July 28, 1872. 

July 3, 1864 — Miner H. Corbin, dismissed August 14, 1868; 
Ichabod Upham, Abigail Upham, Philinde W. Corbin, 
Milton H. Kinney, Martha M. Kinney, Aaron A. Wales, 
Betsey M. Wales, Lucy Cleveland, Mary Ann Cleveland, 
Leverett A. Snow, dismissed December 29, 1878; Rhoby 
C. Snow, dismissed December 29, 1878; Armena C. Cor- 
■ bin, dismissed March 24, 1872; Elisha Severy, excom- 
municated November i, 1867; William Harrison Hor- 
ton, dismissed March 29, 1872; Jonathan C. Upham, 
Robert Bruce Horton, Melvin Booth, dismissed 1885; 
Abigail Simons, dismissed; Olive Longden, dismissed. 

September 2, 1864 — Maria A. Upham, wife of Jonathan 
Upham, by letter. 

March 4, 1866 — Emily S. Severy, wife of Elisha Severy, by 
letter from the First Baptist Church, Woodstock, 
excommunicated November i, 1867; Herman Corbin, 
Henry F. Corbin, Ann Maria Corbin, dismissed May 19, 
1872; Francis O. Letcher, dismissed March 30, 1872. 

September 2, 1866 — Deborah H. G. Curtiss, by letter; Emily 
H. Curtiss, by letter, dismissed November 22, 1868; 
Ellen G. Wheeler, by letter, dismissed June 25, 1874. 

January 6, 1867 — Mary E. Horton, wife of R. B. Horton; 
Lucy J. Wales, William P. Beeching, Stephen Agard, 
baptized by immersion, dismissed March 30th, 1868. 

January 2, 1869 — Emily Booth, wife of Melvin Booth, by 
letter, dismissed 1885. 

January 7, 1871 — Charles Root. 

May 5, 1872 — Roscius Back, Harriet C. Back. 

May 4, 1873 — Ada Leland, by letter; dismissed 1876. 

1879 — Lizzie A. Upham. 

May 2, 1881 — Mrs. Mary Horton, wife of Mason Horton, 
Lucy Horton, William H. Corbin, Harlow R. Back. 



J04 ECCLESIASTICAL BISTORT. 

September i, 1882— Sarah E. Upham. 

July, 1883— Ella M. Corbin, Harvey M. Lawson. 

September, 1883 — Sarah C. Lawson, by letter from the 
First Baptist church, Woodstock. 

1884 — Mrs. Henry Booth, Mrs. M. A. Marcy, Lillian Booth, 
dismissed 1885. 

July, 1884 — Sarah Moore. 

July 4, 1886 — George N. Lawson, Mary E. Lawson, Mrs. 
Herman Corbin. 

December 31, 1886 — Rev. I. P. Smith, by letter, dismissed 
March 3. 1889; Clara R. Smith, by letter, dismissed 
March 3, 1889; Perley D. Smith, by letter, dismissed 
March 3, 1889. 

March 6, 1887 — Charles Smith, dismissed March 3, 1889; 
Brainerd Smith, dismissed March 3, 1889; Charlotte 
Warren, excommunicated; Francis Kempton, Char- 
lotte Witherell, dismissed May 11, 1890; Clark W. 
Watrous, by letter, dismissed July 22, 1888; Mary 
Watrous, by letter, dismissed July 22, 1S88. 

June, 1887 — Henry B. Booth, Frank Young. 



The members of the Congregational church in L^nion, 
August ist, 1892, in the order of their joining, are : 

MALES. 

Ezra !M. Horton, Edwin W. Upham, Edwin X. Lawson, 
William M. Corbin (absent), Milton H. Kinney (absent), 
Jonathan C. Upham, R. Bruce Horton, Henry F. Corbin, 
William Beeching (absent), Roscius Back, William H. Cor- 
bin (absent), Harlow R. Back (absent), Harve)" M. Lawson, 
(absent), George N. Lawson (absent), Francis Kempton 
(absent), Henry B. Booth, Frank Young (absent); males, 17. 

FEMALES. 

Mrs. Dexter Moore (absent), Mrs. E. W. Upham, Ada- 
line Paul, Mrs. Fayette Crawford, Mrs. William Corbin 
(absent), Mrs. Aaron A.Wales (absent), Mrs. Henry Corbin, 
Mrs. Milton Kinney (absent), Mrs. Jonathan Upham, 



HISTORY OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 



105 



Mrs. Roscius Back, Lizzie Upham, Mrs. Mason Hortoti, 
Mrs. Lucy P. Aldrich, Mrs. Arthur C. Barrows (absent), 
Mrs. Henry Booth, ]\Irs. M. A. Marcy, Sarah Moore 
(absent), Mar-y E. Lawson. 

Present. 

Females, 18 12 

Males, . . y . . . .17 8 

Total, 35 20 



The clerk and treasurer of the Congregational church 
and society of Union has been : 

From 1816 to 1825 — Robert Lawson. 
" 1825 " 1828 — Norman Horton. 
" 1829 " 1830 — Robert Lawson. 
" 1830 " 1833 — Deacon Ezra Horton. 
" 1833 " 1842 — Dr. Shubael Hammond. 
" 1842 " 1849 — Paul Lawson. 
" 1849 " 1858— Elias Severy. 
" 1858 " 1862— E. M. Horton. 
" 1862 " 1878— Myron Kinney. 
" 1878 " 1890— Milton H. Kinney. 
" 1890 " Roscius Back. 



HISTORY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH AT MASHAPAUG. 

WRITTEN MAINLY BY REY. GEORGE W. HUNT. 

From nearly the beginning of the century to about 
1850, there was a Methodist church in the town of L'nion, 
located on the road leading to" Kinney's Mills," a few rods 
southeast of the present school building, on the north side 
of the road about fifty feet east of a narrow swamp. 

It was a small, rough building, resting on eight blocks, 
sawn from the butts of large trees. The outside walls were 
clapboarded on the posts and studding, and the roof rough 
boarded and shingled. The 'inside walls were the inside of 



io6 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

those clapboards, with posts and studding bare. Ceiling- 
there was none. The rough beams and rafters were bare. 
The floor was of rough boards, laid loosely down. The 
pulpit consisted of two pieces of plank standing upright 
on the floor, with a third piece laid across the top for a 
desk. The pews or seats were planks laid on blocks sawed 
off from logs. The windows were small, and without cur- 
tains or shutters. Under its eaves and among its rafters 
the swallows built their nests. Such was the first Meth- 
odist church in Union. 

This was not, however, according to the best informa- 
tion obtained, a Methodist Episcopal church. It seems that 
services were held in it only a part of the time. The Rev. 
Stephen Fairbanks was a local preacher who often held 
services there. 

The date of the present organization extends back only 
to 1867. There had been services held by Methodist min- 
isters for several years prior to the organization of the 
church. Some of the circuit riders would occasionally 
stop at the village and preach. Daniel Pratt and John 
Carpenter, of Holland, a "local preacher," held meetings 
in the school-house with more or less frequency both before 
and after the church was regiilarly organized. A Mr. 
Moulton also supplied the pulpit for a while. 

In 1870 and 187 1, Rev. S. V. B. Cross was the preacher 
in charge. The first year he also supplied the Methodist 
Society at West Woodstock. 

In the winter of 187 1, union revival services were held 
with the Congregational church, in Union, which resulted 
in several additions to the churches, and the quickening of 
the religious life of the town. 

In the spring of 1872, Mr. Cross was removed to East- 
ford, and for a few weeks the church was without a pastor. 
Rev. George W. Hunt was appointed to the charge about 
May ist, and remained to the close of the conference year. 
The services were still held in the school-house. Large 
congregations attended the services. Many times during 
the summer more- people would attend than could be 



HISTORY OF THE METHODIST CHURCH 107 

accommodated within the school-house. The windows 
would be raised and the people stand outside and listen to 
the Gospel. Mr. Alden A. Fletcher was the very efficient 
superintendent of the Sunday school at this time, which 
was largely attended b)'' both old and young. During Mr. 
Hunt's pastorate an effort was made to secure an edifice. 
Some $1,600 was raised on subscription, plans were drawn, 
and accepted. But a disagreement arose in regard to the 
location, and the whole matter was laid aside. 

Mr. Hunt was followed in April, 1873, b}^ Seth B. Chase, 
a man whose labors were successful and greatly apprecia- 
ted. Mr. Chase was well along in years, yet was endowed 
with youthful vigor of body and mind. He remained two 
years. During his second year the old Methodist church 
in ^Stafford vSprings was purchased and torn down, and 
removed to Mashapaug and re-erected, with slight changes, 
on the lot of land on the south side of the pond facing the 
village. The land was given to the vSociety b}^ Mr. Milton 
Kinney, a member of the Congregational Church at Union. 

Rev. William A. Taylor followed Mr. Chase in the 
spring of 1875. He remained three years. He did excellent 
work, and was greatly beloved by the town's people. Dur- 
ing his pastorate the Society's progress was retarded by the 
removal of several families. The shoe industry of the vil- 
lage ceased, and though not run on very extensive lines, 
yet its stoppage was as serious a blow to the prosperit)'' 
of the village as some large financial disaster might be to 
a larger place. This, coupled with the removal of the 
shoe business from Union town, greatly crippled both 
churches. Mr. Taylor did much, however, to sustain the 
waning interests of the church, and remained the full time 
allowed at that time by the denomination. 

Upon his removal. Rev. S. V. B. Cross, returned to serve 
the people a second time, and remained two years. A small 
debt on the property was removed and a bell hung in the 
bellfry, during his pastorate, largely through his efforts. 

T. W. Douglas followed Mr. Cross and remained one 
year. He was a man of much intellectual power, and was 



io8 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

much respected by the people generally. He left them at 
the end of the first year much to their regret. 

He was followed in the spring of 1881 by Jacob Betts, 
who remained three years, the full length of the pastoral 
term. Special revival services were held during his 
third year, which resulted in several accessions to the 
church, but owing to the lack of any manufacturing in the 
town, which seems to necessitate frequent changes among 
the families, the permanent benefit to the church has not 
seemed so great. 

Mr. Betts was followed in April, 1884, by H. S. Smith, a 
man advanced in life, who, for years, had done good ser- 
vice in the ministry. He was in poor health most of the 
year, and spent considerable of the time away in the West. 

He was succeeded in April, 1885, by Rev. John Pearce, 
a young man, who did good, effectual service for two years, 
and did much toward reviving the waning interests of the 
Society. 

In May, 1887, T. C. Denman was appointed to the charge. 
He remained one year. He did very conscientious work 
in every department and strove hard to build up the 
church in righteousness and to make it representative of 
pure godliness. 

For nearly a year and a half after his departure in the 
the spring of 1888 the Society was without a resident pas- 
tor. For apart of this period the pulpit was supplied by a 
Mr. Nichols of Stafford Springs. 

In the summer of 1890, C. A. Purdy was appointed to the 
pastorate and in the spring of 1891 was re-appointed, the 
charge being connected with Eastford, Mr. Purdy supply- 
ing in both places. He left in the spring of 1892. The 
future of the church seems very uncertain, as it is with 
many churches in our towns and villages that are so 
isolated from manufacturing and railroad centres. But it 
has done a good work in the past. Among its members 
have been counted many well known citizens of the town. 
And while for want of opportunity it may not be able to dc 
for future generations what it has done for the past, it 



MEMBERS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. 109 

doubtless will stand as a beacon light to some souls in the 
future. 

Below is a list of the names so far as they could be 
gathered of all who have been members since its organiza- 
tion in 1867. 

Prosper Smith, Monica Smith, Jesse L. Hall, I^ois M. 
Hall, Ira Walker, Maria Walker, Elijah Severy, Polly Severy, 
George E. Webster, Jane L. Webster, Lucius A. Corbin, 
Lucia M. Smith, Mary A. Smith, Emily Barbour, Walcott 
Barbour, Gleason Allen, Emily Allen, Emma A. Allen, Jane 
Walker, Eliza A. Hall, Newton Wallace, Jasper Miller, 
Fidelia Miller, Fannie Miller, Elijah S. Severy, Lucy J. 
Severy, Polly S. Russell, Persis Curtiss, Amanda A. Butter- 
worth, Marvin Kimball, Pruvia Kiiuball, Charles Jackson, 
Annis Jackson, Addison Jackson, Pemelia Jackson, Harriet 
Harbison, Benjamin Stone, Phebe Stone, Augustus Moore, 
Lavinia H. Cleveland, Josephine Walker, Mary E. Braman, 
Permelia Reed, Danforth Howard, Julia Howard, Dinah 
Freeinan, Philander Hall, Seth Clapp, Caroline Clapp, Jarvis 
Hall, Hannah Clapp, Thomas Whittmore, Mary Whitt- 
more, Jennie Barbour, Martha Crawford, Sarah A. Whitt- 
more, Chloe Kimball, Marvin Howard, Betsy A. How- 
ard, Charles Howard, Oscar Howard, Ernest Howard, 
Dennis Murphy, Alden A. Fletcher, Olive Fletcher, 
Martha E. Crawford, Carrie E. Carpenter, Edward Blodget, 
Fidelia Blodget, Maggie Betts, Esther Belcher, Howard 
G. Barbour, Gracie W. Barbour, Wm. B. Chamberlain, 
Sarah Chamberlain, Emma Chamberlain, Ida Chamberlain, 
Almira Corbin, Amanda Chamberlain, Georgie A. Cross, 
Addie C. Cross, Horace Courtiss, Mary Courtiss, Asaph 
Richards, Eva E. Sherman, Mary Severy, William Smith, 
Sarah Smith, Albert E. Weld, Celinda Weld, Ezra With- 
erell, Emma Witherell, John Winch, Ellen Winch, Charles 
R. Webster, Belle Weld, Corey Weld, Nellie Winch, Wesley 
Winch, Lemuel Willis, Abigail Willis, Moses Wilcox, 
Helen G. Wilcox, Lowell Wilcox, Eva M. Chamberlain, 
Ernest E. Corbin, Delia M. Douglass, Hansine Denman, 
Martha S. Hewett, Lyman Hiscox, Laura Hiscox, Ella His- 



no 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



cox, Emily Hewlett, Nettie E. Kinney, Carrie Lawson, 
Charles Lee, Aurelia Lee, Byron Moore, Emma Moore, 
Caroline Marcy, David Perry, Clara Perry, Louis A. Perry, 
William S. Webster, Robert E. Webster, Gilbert E. Willis, 
Oscar E. Willis, Henry Vinton, Emily A. W. Vinton. 
The preachers of the church have been as follows : 
1867-1869, supplied by Daniel Pratt, George Carpenter, 
Local Preachers. 1870-1871,8. V. B. Cross; 1871-1872, G. 
W. Hunt; 1873-1874, S. B. Chase; 1875-1877, W. A. Taylor; 
1878-1779, S. V. B. Cross ; 1879-1880, T. W. Douglass ; 1881- 
1883, Jacob Betts ; 1883-1884, H. S. Smith; 1885-1886, John 
Pearce; 1887-1888, T. C. Denman; 1888-1889, Mr. Nicholls ; 
1890-1891, C. A. Purdy ; 1892, Oscar Bissell (of Holland). 

The membership of the church in 1891 was forty-eight, 
Of these thirty-nine are in the town and vicinity. The 
remainder are scattered here and there throughout New 
Ensfland. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MILITARY HISTORY OF UNION. 

NEED OF MILITIA FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR TRAINING 

CASES OF TORY DISCIPLINE — COLONEL ABIJAH WILLARD — 
TIMOTHY HOLTON — BATTLE OF LEXINGTON — RALLY AND 
MARCH OF UNION MEN ENLISTMENT OF SOLDIERS — LIEU- 
TENANT SPRAGUE — BUNKER HILL —HARDSHIPS OF THE SOL- 
DIERS — CAPTAIN LAWSON's COMPANY — CAMPAIGN AGAINST 

BURGOYNE — HARDSHIPS AT HOME RAISING TAXES — LIST OF 

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS — WAR OF l8l2 — MEN WHO WENT 

FROM UNION — MILITARY TRAININGS UNION MEN IN THE 

REBELLION COMPANY I, SIXTEENTH REGIMENT DAVID 

CORBIN'S, COMPANY G, TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT LIST 

OF UNION SOLDIERS SOLDIERS WHO HAVE LIVED IN 

UNION SINCE THE WAR — THE D. P. CORBIN POST. 

IN colonial times considerable attention was necessarily 
paid to military matters. The settlers of New Eng- 
land were frequently compelled to take up arms in self- 
defense against the Indians w'ho surrounded them. King 
William's war, from 1689 to 1697, in which Hannah Dustin 
was captured; Queen Anne's war, 1702 to 1713, in which 
the Deerfield massacre took place, and King George's war, 
1744 to 1748, in which Louisburg was captured by New 
Englanders, all served to arouse in the colonists a realiza- 
tion of the need of a well trained militia. Probably a 
training company was formed in Union as soon as there 
were men enough among its citizens. In the French and 
Indian war, 1755 to 1760, a number of men from Union 
took part. Among them was James Sprague, who served 
with and was a friend of General Putnam. There is a 
family tradition that Solomon Wales ran away from home 
when a boy to go with two older brothers to the French 
and Indian war; but as he was of age before that war 
began, it must have been to King George's war that he 



112 MILITARY HISTORY. 

went without his parents' permission. He would have 
been in his sixteenth year at the first capture of Louis- 
burg. It is related that in the expedition he drifted from 
the ship in an open boat, and in the effort to reach the ship 
the oar broke or was lost, so he had to save himself by 
swimming some distance in a wintry sea. 

Other soldiers in the French and Indian war were John 
Lillie, Elisha Williams, and several more. 

A valuable result of this war was that it gave the colo- 
nists experience in warfare which proved very serviceable 
when the Revolutionary struggle began. 

On the 13th of October, 1770, Thomas Lawson was 
appointed by Governor Jonathan Trumbull, " Lieutenant 
of the nth Company or Trainband in the 5th Regiment in 
this Colony." He was ordered to exercise his inferior offi- 
cers and soldiers in the use of their arms, according to the 
discipline of war; commanding them to obey him as their 
lieutenant in His Majesty's service. It appears that he was 
chosen captain of the company in Union about 1774. So 
that when the Revolutionary war broke out, and the men 
of Union took up arms to help in defending the liberties 
of America, they were not unprepared for the struggle. A 
fresh stimulus was given to training by the alarm which 
the colonists felt at the attitude of the British government 
to establish its authority more firmly in America and take 
away certain of their privileges. A convention of Wind- 
ham and New London counties, held at Norwich, Septem- 
ber 8, 1774, recommended the towns to look after their 
stock of ammunition and attend to training. The General 
Assembly, in October, 1774, required the selectmen of each 
town to provide a double quantity of " powder, balls and 
flint." At the January session, 1775, the Assembly ordered 
the militia to drill once a week for three months during 
the "alarming crisis." 

But before we narrate the story of the response of the 
people to the Lexington alarm, there are two incidents of 
tory discipline to relate, which show the temper of the 
people of Union and vicinity with regard to submitting to 



TORY DISCIPLINE. 



113 



the tyrannical demands of England. These cases not only 
show the tone of extreme exasperation prevalent just at 
this crisis, but they bring out in full play a direct agency 
in the Revolution, sanctioned by the people in their pri- 
mary assemblies — the towns. The popular proceedings 
against the tories are often called mobs, but they were 
not. Those who took part in them were law-abiding citi- 
zens. Their measures of discipline, more or less violent, 
were considerately planned by the best men as a part of 
the policy of patriotism against despotism. They served 
to bring the strife between the colonies and the crown to a 
quick decision by the only mode possible — by arms. 

These cases of tory discipline were managed by com- 
mittees of inspection appointed by the towns. This action 
of the towns does not prove that they were in favor of any 
public disorder, or of any real personal injury done to life, 
limb or property. But the system was universally adopted 
and proved to be a power so great as to prevent the carry- 
ing out of any arbitrary measure. It issued in the Revolu- 
tion itself. 

A case of such discipline at Union somewhat afflicted 
Col. Abijah Willard, of Lancaster, Mass. He was a man of 
large wealth and blameless repute until in an evil hour he 
accepted the position of Mandamus Councilor to Governor 
Gage, being directly commissioned by the King. He was 
appointed, with thirty-six others, to take the place of coun- 
cilors elected by the people and who were displaced by 
Gage because of their disloyalty. Therefore the people 
determined that every one of these Mandamus Councilors 
should resign; which they did or left the country in terror. 

Col. Willard was the joint owner of a landed estate of 
7,000 acres of wild land in Stafford, which he visited in the 
summer of 1774. He had two attorneys living in Wind- 
ham, and he made an appointment with them to meet him 
at Union. Regarding him as a traitor, these attorneys 
refused to serve him any longer and undoubtedly reported 
his intended visit to Union to the committee of inspection 
in the several towms. 
8 



1 1 4 MILITAB Y HI8T0R Y. 

On his arrival at Union a crowd of five hundred men 
gathered from all the surrounding region, apprehended 
him and guarded him till morning, when he was taken 
across the province line into Brimfield, where he was taken 
in hand by a council of Massachusetts men, who proceeded 
to try him and condemned him to imprisonment in the 
Simsbury mines; &n^ they carried him on the road thither 
six miles when he relented, asked the forgiveness of all 
honest men for having taken the oath of office, and prom- 
ised not to sit or act in council. He afterwards resigned. 
It is known that Gov. Gage afterwards complained to Gov. 
Trumbull of the treatment Willard received in Connecticut, 
but received no satisfaction. Willard was a loyalist refugee 
in Boston during the British occupation of that city. Just 
before the battle of Bunker Hill he stood with Gage look- 
ing through a glass at the American forces. " Do you know 
any of these rag muffins over there and will they fight?" 
asked Gage. Willard saw among the rest his own brother- 
in-law, Col. Prcscott, encouraging the men. " I cannot tell 
what his men will do," said he, "but Prescott will fight you 
to the very last drop of his blood." 

When the British evacuated Boston, his property was 
confiscated and he was forced to flee to Nova Scotia where 
he afterwards lived. After his death his family returned 
to the United States, and his son Samuel regained posses- 
sion of the ancestral estate at Lancaster. He lived there 
till his death at the age of 97. He received from the Brit- 
ish government a pension as the son of a prescribed loyalist. 
His sister died about the same time, aged 95. She married 
Benjamin Goodhue, of Salem, a senator of the U. S. from 
Massachusetts, and in his youth a soldier of the Revolution. 
As his widow she received a pension. wShe lived with her 
brother years before her death, each of them pensioners of 
conflicting governments in the time of the Revolution. 

The other case of tory discipline in Union, occurred in 
September, 1774. The subject was Timothy Holton. He 
came from Killingly to Union, and lived on the Wyman 
place, where there is now a cellar hole nearly opposite the 



THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 



115 



Congregational parsonage. He was a tory and accounted 
a man of no principle or honor. The following letter found 
among Capt. Lawson's papers is self-explanatory: 

" Sir, these lines by desire of Lieut. Daniel Loomis to let 
you know that y® people are about to gather this night 
about son down or a little suner from Brimfield, Westford, 
vSturbridge and Union, to pay Mr. Timothy Holton a visit 
concerning his principles as Tory, &c., and I was to give 
you notis and as many moor as I could to be on y*" ground 
neer s*^ Holton's by son down this night if you see cause. 
Sir please to let Mr. Archable Coye and Mr. Bartlett know 
of it if you can and as many moor as you can. These from 
y"" humble Serv* Sam' Marcy, Jun. 
Union Sept'' y*" 22°'', 1774. 
To Capt'' Tho^ Lawson, 
Union," 

It would be interesting to know what they did to poor 
Mr. Holton " about son down or a little suner," but we 
have n© further record of the occurrences and are left to 
imagine what took place. It is said, however, that Mr. 
Holton was disciplined by his patriotic neighbors during 
the war. He went to Ellington or Windsor and became 
respectable and a man of property. 

These incidents show that the people of Union were not 
one whit behind those of the rest of the country in the 
spirit of resistance to the tyrannical demands of England. 
So that when the war broke out, we are not surprised to 
note the ready response which the Union people gave. 

The Battle of Lexington occurred Wednesday, April 
19th, 1775. The news of it spread like wildfire. Messen- 
gers were dispatched from Watertown at 10 o'clock that 
morning to alarm the country. Some of them passed 
through this town the next day on their way to Hartford 
and New York. An eyewitness of the occasion, Mr. Eben- 
ezer Child, then five years old, whose father, Ebenezer, lived 
on the Newell place, wrote a letter in his old age to Mr. 
Hammond in which he gave some of the following facts: 
A messenger rode up in great haste and said, " The war 



ii6 MILITARY BISTORT. 

has begun; the British soldiers are on their way to hang 
the head of every family who will not swear allegiance to 
the King." The news spread like fire; all the people met, 
the men at one house and the women at another. Persons 
went at once in all directions; some to take the lead 
weights from their clocks and cut them into bullets; 
some to gather powder; some to procure and repair guns; 
some were casting bullets; some making cartridges. All 
were recruiting for volunteers. The women were as busy 
as the men, some making knapsacks, others outfits; all 
were at work the whole night long. In the morning, April 
2ist, the volunteers gathered at the Centre, and paraded in 
front of the house of Simeon Wright, which stood a few 
rods northwest of where Mason Horton now lives. They 
were equipped poorly enough. Some not having shoes 
were supplied by the spectators from their own feet. 
Thomas Lawson, the captain of the training band was 
unanimously chosen on the spot to lead the expedition. 
And so they marched, twenty-seven in all, friends young 
and old being present to witness the departure. 

The traditions of the town say that several waited not 
for the sun to go down on the day in which the message 
came. One man left his team m the field, seized his gun, 
bade farewell, and when asked where he was going replied 
"To see if I am not wanted." That man was Jeremiah 
Badger, of Mashapaug, who had from childhood a limping 
foot, but like justice, though lame his step was sure. His 
promptness equaled that of Gen. Putnam, who as is well 
known, left his plow in the field, mounted his horse and 
spent the day in arousing Windham county, and consult- 
ing Gov. Trumbull at Lebanon, who told him to go to Con- 
cord at once and he would send the troops. He returned 
to Pomfret and immediately set out on horseback for Cam- 
bridge in his checked shirt unchanged. He made the 
entire journey of one hundred miles that night and the 
next forenoon. The same spirit of promptness and willing- 
ness was everywhere manifested, and shows better than 
any language can the temper of the people at that time. 
The men were self-levied and were willing to offer not 



THE LEXINGTON ALARM. 117 

their services only, but their lives if the country needed 
the sacrifice. The number of men who went from Con- 
necticut to the " relief of Boston " as they said, was about 
4,000. They did not know what the British might not do 
to revenge their defeat and loss at Concord and Lexington. 
But when they arrived at Cambridge they found that the 
British had withdrawn within their intrenchments at Bos- 
ton, willing to remain c|uiet if they could be let alone. So 
most of the alarm men returned home when they found 
that their services were not needed. Some turned back 
before reaching Cambridge. It was not thought best to 
attack the British with the force they had. So the Amer- 
icans simply guarded Boston Neck strongly and kept the 
British penned up in the city. 

The state of Connecticut afterwards paid the men from 
the state who marched at the Lexington alarm, according 
to the time they were out. The following is a copy of a 
valuable paper found among Captain Lawson's, which 
gives the names of the men who went from Union, the 
time they were out, and their expenses. The expenses are 
not copied. 

"The following is an Accompt of the Soulgers in ye 5th 
Company in ye 22 Regiment Camebrig in ye alarum ye 21 
day of April last & their expences : 

DAYS. DAYS. 

Captain Thoms Lawson, 16 James Armour, Jr., . . 7 

Lieut. Daniel Loomis, . 7 Jacob Burley, 6 

Sarg. James Sprague, . .16 Penuel Child, .... 2 

" Archabel Coye, . 7 Joseph Winter, .... 2 

" Nathan Abbott, . 7 Caleb Barton, .... 2 

Clark (clerk) Isaac Booth, 16 vSamuel Burley, .... 6 

Corp. Wm. Abbott, . . 7 Elisha Badger, .... 13 

Jeremiah Badger, ... 16 John Felix, 16 

David Thompson, ...11 David Hiscock, .... 2 

Lemuel Bolles, . . . .13 Amasa Coye, 7 

Jonathan Badger, ... 7 Eleazer Wales, .... 5 

Abijah Sessions, .... 7 John Sessions, .... 2 

Nath'l Sessions, ... 7 Wm. Williams, .... 5 
Simeon Wright, Jr., . . 7 



ii8 MILITARY HISTORY. 

Two others, John Moor and Elijah Wales, had some- 
thing allowed them for an expense they had met at that 
time. There is also an allowance to seventeen of the men 
for "Travel for horses," mostly for forty miles. It seems 
probable that they hired horses for a part of the way, 
either going or returning. The alarm expedition was soon 
over, but its moral results were of immense value. The 
volunteers returned home, but not to remain. They came 
back realizing that war was inevitable, and they prepared 
at once and in earnest for the conflict. The General 
Assembly, in May, voted to raise troops to carry on the 
war, and the work of recruiting began in every town. 

The following men from Union enlisted in the com- 
pany of Captain Knowlton, of Ashford, in May, 1775 : 

Alexander McNall, James Walker, 

William Allen, Jonathan Badger, 

William Mcore, Jr., Eleazer Wales, 

Asaph Burley, Jacob Burley, 

Lemuel Bolles, William Williams, Jr. 

Abraham Laflin, 
The Eleazer Wales in the above list was a son of Solo- 
mon Wales, and had marched to the Lexington alarm. His 
brother John enlisted in February, 1776, for Cambridge. It 
was in reference to these young men that their grand- 
mother, Deborah Wales, said to their father, vSolomon : " I 
would not send my boys where I dare not go myself." He 
took the hint. He sent his boys and afterwards went him- 
self, and served fifteen months as captain. 

Colonel Knowlton, of Ashford, under whom these eleven 
men from Union served, was a very gallant a'nd patriotic 
officer. After participating in the battle of Bunker Hill 
and the campaign around Boston, he served at New York. 
He fell in the skirmish on Harlem Heights, in September, 
1776. Washington said of him that "he would have been 
an honor to any country, and that he fell gloriously, fight- 
ing at his post." 

Besides these eleven men with Colonel Knowlton, there 
were fourteen others from Union who were in the battle of 



ENLISTING SOLDIERS. 119 

Bunker Hill. The following story is told of the way in 
which they enlisted : In May, 1775, a town meeting was 
held to raise recruits for the army at Cambridge. The com- 
pany was addressed by Solomon Wales, Esq., a very active 
patriot, who ably set sorth the necessities of the army and 
the importance of responding at once to the calls of the 
country. His speech evidently produced conviction, and 
there was no want of feeling, but the men were not quite 
ready for action, for when the roll was called for volun- 
teers, no one answered as ready to enlist. Finding that an 
influence was needed which he did not possess. Squire 
Wales requested Lieutenant Sprague to see what he could 
do. Sprague had been a soldier in the French war, and was 
well known for his bravery and especially for his eccen- 
tricities of speech and dress. His uniform on this occasion 
consisted of a ragged coat, a striped shirt, woolen kilt 
trousers, shoes very poor, worn without stockings, and an 
old hat without any rim except a small section which 
served for a handle. As he stepped forward before the 
company, he took off his hat and said, as he held it up : 
"Do you see this hat? And who of you will go with me 
and this old hat to Cambridge ? " There was no more 
delay, and the following persons instantly gave their 
names : Samuel Marcy, Thomas Taylor, Caleb Abbott, 
William Thompson, David Thompson, Abijah Sessions, 
Benjamin Sanger, Daniel Needham, Daniel Allen, Caleb 
Barton, Joseph Lilly, Ebenezer Lilly and Nehemiah Coy — 
in all fourteen men. Scj^uire Wales is said to have 
remarked after the enrollment was made, that " Lieuten- 
ant Sprague, with his old hat and kilt trousers, could enlist 
more men than he could with his best suit on." Lieuten- 
ant Sprague marched to Cambridge with his men in the 
same garb in which he enlisted them. Soon after his 
arrival he was met by General Putnam, who, without 
taking the slightest exception to his dress, cried out : 
" How are you, Sargeant Sprague," and gave him the 
hearty grip of a fellow soldier and comrade in the French 
war. 



I20 MILITARY HISTORY. 

We have a few traditions of Union men at Bunker Hill. 
Among- them was Lemuel Bolles, who used to tell how a 
cannon ball came and shattered his gun to splinters. Gen- 
eral Putnam, who was there, directed him to pick up the 
gun of a dead man who lay by, and go to firing. In the 
interval between the second and third charges of the 
British, when it became discovered that the ammunition of 
the Americans had given out, and Putnam muttered in 
desperation : " Powder ! ye gods, give us powder ! " it is 
said that Bolles cried out loud enough to be overheard by 
the British : "Our powder is gone; we shall all be killed." 
General Putnam silenced him by the forcible remark : 
•''You shut up, or I'll make daylight shine through you." 

In the retreat from the third charge some of the Amer- 
ican soldiers escaped by swimming. Abijah Sessions had 
just plunged into the water when a soldier who did not 
know how to swim jumped right on top of him. Both came 
near drowning, and Sessions got so much of the salt water 
in his lungs that his health was injured by it. 

In the summer of 1776, there were absent from town, 
seventy of its citizens, connected with the Continental army. 
The population of the town at that time was but little over 
five hundred. Hence more than one-eighth of the popula- 
tion or about one-half the- legal voters took up arms in 
defense of their country in one season. 

The town was then, as now, small and poor, and its inhab- 
itants were all of them farmers, deriving a scanty income 
from a hard soil by hard labor. They dwelt remote from 
the scenes of danger, and on these mountain heights their 
abodes would never have been disturbed whether the con- 
test had been successful or not. But it is doubtful whether 
any town did more relatively for the patriotic cause than 
did the inhabitants of this retired town. During the 
absence of the soldiers the severe labor of the fields was 
performed by women and children. The summer of 1776 
was long remembered as the sickly season in this town, 
more deaths occurring in that year than in any since, except 
one. Four soldiers died in 1776, after their return from the 



UNION MEN AT VALLEY FORGE. 121 

camp, from fatigue and the fever which they had taken in 
the army. Their names were James Bartlett, John Paul, 
Jedediah Bugbee and Amasa Coye. Samuel Crawford was 
in the public service in 1776, and was taken sick with the 
fever. His brother John came and took him home. Although 
Samuel recovered, his brother John and father Hugh both 
took the fever in attending him, and both died the same 
day, October 13, 1776. 

Those who are familiar with the history of the war will 
remember that the New England troops in the summer of 
1776, were employed in the fruitless attempt to defend 
Long Island and force the British to evacuate New York. 

How extensive was the sickness which prevailed is made 
known from a letter of Washington, dated the 8th of 
August, in which he says, " The army consisted of only 
17,225 men, of whom 3,668 were sick." "Soon after" Judge 
Marshall says, "the army was reinforced so as to amount to 
27,000 men, one fourth of whom were sick." 

Several Union men were with Washington during the 
severe winter of 1777-8 at Valley Forge. Capt. Joseph 
Snell, at that time of Ashford, but afterwards for a long 
time a citizen of Union, used to tell Mr. Hammond of the 
horrors of the Valley Forge Encampment — when it seemed 
that ruin was ready to annihilate the American Army, 
threatened not only by the arms of the foe, but by the irre- 
sistible powers of frost, fatigue and hunger. Cold and sick, 
far from home, they wasted away by thousands, without 
hope of relief, and in the most abject destitution. That 
venerable soldier used to tell of the stern trials of the spirit 
of patriotism in those gloomy days, far more severe than 
the sufferings to which their bodies were exposed. He 
repeated the arguments used by himself and others to 
inspire hope in his comrades who were reduced to the 
extreme of despondency at that dreadful crisis when even 
Washington himself almost despaired of the salvation of 
his country. 

He told how they made up their minds not to leave 
their cheerless camp, nor desert their noble commander. 



122 MILITARY HISTORY. 

nor fail in their duty to their country while life remained. 
And it was this untiring devotion to liberty which frost 
could not chill nor hunger starve, that saved our country 
in this its darkest hour of all its history, and brought on 
the dawn of a brighter da)^ 

Of the soldiers in Union who did service during the Revo- 
lution there were two classes; first, there was the militia, to 
which every able-bodied man between the ages of i8 and 
50 belonged. This was called out either as a whole or in 
part many times during the war in times of special danger. 
Then from it men were drafted to serve in the army at dif- 
ferent places for several months. Second, there were the 
soldiers, who were regular members of the Continental 
Army and who enlisted mostly for three years or for the 
war. An old report from Captain Lawson to Col. Chapman, 
dated May, 1779, shows that at that time there were 
twenty-two such soldiers from this town in the Continental 
service. Their names with those of the other soldiers 
may be found in the table which follows. 

As we have said, the company of militia was called out 
in whole or in part during times of special danger, many 
times during the Revolution. The orders were sent from 
Col. Samuel Chapman, of Tolland, and the following is a 
sample, given April 27, 1777, after the invasion and burn- 
ing of Danbury by the British: 

"To Thomas Lawson, Capt. of the 5th Military Com- 
pany in the 22nd Regt. of Militia in the State of Con- 
necticut, greeting: Whereas I have received certain Intel- 
ligence that the British troops landed at Fairfield on 
Friday night last and marched directly to Danbury, and 
have taken all our Stores and burnt the Town, these are 
therefore to order you to march your Company forthwith, 
without the least delay to the relief of that or any other 
invaded place. You are to carry Ammunition, flints, etc., 
as there is none in the Stores and about 6 Days' Provision 
to each man, and be at Tolland on their march tomorrow 
if possible. Given under may hand in Tolland the 27th 
day of April, 1777. Saml. Chapman, Colonel." 



RE VOL UTIONAB T OBDERS. 



123 



From a pay abstract made out afterwards we learn that 
there were twenty-two men who marched in obedience to 
these orders. They were gone only two days, probably 
receiving word that their services were not needed, before 
they got as far as Hartford. Each private received two 
shillings and ten pence a day, one shilling and four pence 
being for wages and one shilling and six pence for sup- 
port. So we see that their pay was rather meagre. 

Among Capt. Lawson's old papers the following orders 
have been found which he received during the Revolution: 
December 6, 1776 — Whole company ordered to march to 

New London. After marching a day and a half, the 

order was countermanded, as they were not needed, 

and they returned home. 
March, 1777 — 10 men ordered to go to Providence. 
April 27, 1777 — Whole company ordered to march to the 

relief of Danbury. 
May 5, 1777 — ^ of the company ordered to make ready and 

march to New London. 
July 22, 1777 — % of the company ordered to go to Tolland 

ready for the defence of any place. 
August 23, 1777 — Capt. Lawson ordered to march with 5 

men from Union and 62 from other places, to the 

" Northward," to fight Burgoyne. 
August, 1778 — Capt. Wales of the Alarm company ordered 

to detatch one man to go to Providence for a month. 
August 4, 1778 — 4 men ordered to join the army co-operat- 
ing with the French fleet at Newport. 
September 5, 1778 — Whole company ordered to march to 

New London. 
September 15, 1778 — 3 men to march to New London. 
October 17, 1778 — One man to go to New Haven for a 

month. 
April 5, 1779 — Company ordered to be in constant readiness 

to march at the shortest notice to the defence of New 

London. 
July 10, 1779 — }{> the company thus to be ready to march to 

New London. 



124 MILITABY BISTORT. 

October 7, 1779 — 6 men to be ready for the defence of any 

part of the State. 
August I, 1780 — y2 the company to be ready to march for 

the defence of Rhode Island. 
August 2, 1780 — 5 men to join Col. Welle's Regiment. 
March 22, 1781 — The recruits of the Reserve to join Col. 

McClelland. 
January, 1782—2 men to go to New London. 
April II, 1782 — 2 men to serve in Conn. Line for 9 months. 
May 31, 1782 — Men ordered to be sent to Hartford for the 
Continental Army. 

It seems that during at least the last part of the war 
there was in town besides the company of Captain Lawson, 
one tinder Capt. Solomon Wales. This is called in one 
place an "Alarm Company." 

At the time of Burgoyne's invasion, a company was 
formed from the 2 2d regiment of militia, to which the 
Union company under Capt. Lawson belonged, to join the 
army which was resisting the invasion. Capt. Lawson was 
put in command of the company, and had the responsibility 
of conducting it to the American lines. Besides him there 
were four others from Union. Their names were, Parley 
Child, Lemuel BoUes, Jacob Burley, and Samuel Laflin. 
On the 9th of September, 1777, they left Union and marched 
to Tolland, where the men from the different towns were 
to meet. Capt. Lawson kept a brief diary during the expe- 
dition from which we glean the following facts. At Tol- 
land on the loth, he had a tent made and borrowed a pot 
for the Union people and one for the Willington people. 
On the nth they marched from Tolland, and kept on till 
they arrived at camp, September 21st, on vSunday. Capt. 
Lawson used to tell how there was a good deal of firing 
going on as they drew near the camp. There were inany 
skirmishers and sharp-shooters in the vicinity which made 
him afraid that he might not be able to get his company 
into the American camp without losing some of them. But 
he succeeded in doing so and felt greatly relieved to be 
safely inside the American lines. It was two days after the 



CAMPAIGN AGAINST BURGOTNE. 125 

first battle of Stillwater, that the Union company arrived. 
From Capt. Lawson's diary we quote the following: 

"On Tuesday, the 7th of October, 1777, we had a severe battle 
with the enemy, and gained their lines on their right wing. 

On Thursday, the gth of October, the enemy left their whole 
encampment at the south end of Saratoga, and removed and settled at 
the north end of the same. 

On Friday, October loth, the main body of our army removed from 
Stillwater and encamped nigh Saratoga meeting-house. 

On Tuesday, October 14th, the enemy and our Gen. G. agreed on a 
cessation of arms, and the enemy sent sundry flags for truce to agree on 
a capitulation ; on Thursdaj', the i6th, they completed the agreement ; 
on Friday, the 17th, the enemy laid down their arms and marched out 
to our people ; on Saturday, the iSth, our people marched for Albany, 
and arrived there on Sunday night." 

The severe battle he mentions on the 7th of October, 
was the second battle of Stillwater. It was in this battle 
that Arnold, deprived of his command through the jealousy 
of Gates, remained a looker-on as long as he was able; but 
at last he could restrain himself no longer, and dashed 
upon the foe, heading charge after charge, stimulating his 
men to desperate deeds, carrying dismay into the hostile 
ranks, challenging death, and falling at last severely 
wounded, but not till the battle was won, in great part 
by his valor. Capt. Lawson used to tell of seeing him 
riding round there furiously, hatless, and apparently with- 
out aim. 

Capt. Lawson's company was in Col. Cook's regiment. 

'There are 78 names given in the pay-roll, but some of these 

did not serve the full time. In other places the number is 

given as 67. One man was killed and one taken prisoner 

in the second battle of Stillwater. 

The time of service was two months and fifteen days. 
This would make it November 24th when the men came 
home. How the)^ must have rejoiced, and what big stories 
they would have to tell of how they helped to capture 
Burgoyne ! 

The wages of the privates were two pounds a month. 
Besides this they received an allowance of rum and sugar, 



126 MILITARY HISTORY. 

both on the march and in the camp. Each man received 
half a pint per day. This shows the custoin of the tiines. 

There is one more case in which the company of militia 
in Union was called out, which deserves mention. This 
was in September, 1781, when the British under the traitor 
Arnold attacked New London, and massacred the garri- 
son of Fort Griswold. The whole company was ordered 
to march without the least delay to repel the British inva- 
sion. Captain Lawson told how, when they were within a 
few miles of New London, a messenger came riding upin 
great haste saying, "Captain Lawson, your company is 
needed immediately." The captain, hungry and exhausted 
with the hasty march, inquired whether there was any 
house in the vicinity where he could get refreshments. 
He was told that there was one ahead. So he galloped on 
and after a hasty lunch, was ready to go on with his jaded 
men when they came up. They expected to have an 
encounter with the British, but when they reached the 
scene, they found that the British had finished their deadly 
work, seized the stores and withdrawn to their ships. 

There was an interesting incident which happened in 
1777, in which John Ruby, of Union, took a part. He was 
one of the forty men, who under the command of Col. Bar- 
ton, of the Rhode Island militia, performed the bold feat 
of taking Gen. Prescott of the British army, captive by sur- 
prising him while, as Judge Marshall says, " he was indulg- 
ing himself in convenient quarters, rather distant from the 
camp, and was remiss with respect to guards about his per- 
son." On the night of the loth of Jtily, 1777, Col. Barton 
with his party, passed from Warwick Neck, and after pro- 
ceeding ten miles by water, while several British ships of 
war were in that quarter, they landed on Rhode Island 
about midway between Newport and Bristol Ferry, and 
marching a mile to the quarters of Prescott, took him from 
his bed and conveyed him to the main land in safety. 
According to Mr. Ruby's account of the capture, Gen. Pres- 
cott was awakened by his obtrusive visitors, with the 
announcement that the commander of the American forces 



HARDSHIP AT HOME. 127 

had sent him an invitation to breakfast with him the fol- 
lowing morning ! When the General asked if he might 
dress himself for the occasion, he was told yes, if he would 
do so in haste, otherwise he must go to breakfast without 
being dressed. 

But while the men in town were nearly all in service 
at some tiine for a longer or shorter period, the women also 
had work to do in providing clothing for the army. In May, 
1779, the General Assembly resolved that each town should 
provide a certain amount of clothing for the soldiers of the 
Continental Army. This clothing was paid for by the 
state, but it was manufactured in the homes and appor- 
tioned among the towns according to their quota in the 
arm}^ The clothing consisted of shirts, overalls, shoes, 
stockings, and frocks or hunting shirts. The women had 
their task to do in spinning, weaving and making up these 
garments. This with the fact that the out-door work was 
largely performed by the women and children when the 
soldiers were away, gives us some idea of the strenuous 
exertion of all classes in securing the liberties of the 
country. 

There is an interesting story told of how one man in 
town was fitted out to go to the army. It was in the win- 
ter and he needed a warm frock to wear. But his famil}^ 
had no cloth or wool from which to make it. So they went 
to the barn and sheared a sheep, and to prevent the poor 
animal from freezing, sewed some old cloth over it. Then 
they carded and spun the wool, wove it into cloth, and made 
the frock from it. Such was the process of fitting up a sol- 
dier for the Revolution! 

Some of the families of soldiers who were in the Con- 
tinental Army came to be in dire distress during the war. 
Measures were taken for their relief. Good Dea. Abner 
Sessions used to visit such families and supply what they 
needed. He was afterwards allowed pay for it by the 
town. 

In addition to the exertion required to fit out and send 
the soldiers the taxes were very high. The dark side of 



128 MILITABT HISTOBT. 

the picture is on record in the state archives at Hartford, 
drawn out at length by the selectmen, who memorialized 
the General Assembly to abate their taxes. It seems that 
they never had paid taxes to the colonial government before 
the war and had never enjoyed representation in that body, 
a fact which they remind the legislature of, and also that 
they cannot conscientiously take the oath as it now stands. 

In 1776, they, with other towns, were required to make 
out a list of taxable property and send to the General 
Assembly for taxation. Some extracts from the memorials 
and affidavits of 1776 and 1778 will tell their own story. 

"The town was originally granted to thirteen propri- 
etors. One-fourth part of the proprietors refuse to have 
their land improved, and it becomes a harbor for vermin 
by which improved land is much less valuable." There is 
mention made of this last fact by several memorialists and 
indifferent persons called to substantiate the statements of 
the selectmen. One states that the lands of the propri- 
etors and settlers are so intermixed that it is difficult to 
get rid of the vermin which are so numerous as to consume 
a quarter part of the fruits of the earth. 

" Rough, rocky, mountainous, with numerous swamps 
in all parts of the town, that breed vermin." 

"A shallow soil, the hardpan lying within twelve inches 
of the surface." "A soil exhausted with two or three crops 
so that then without great manure it will not pay the labor 
of tillage, and of this unpromising soil, only a small part 
is improved." 

" The snow comes soon in the fall and lies late in the 
spring. The inhabitants have never raised grain enough 
for their own use and the cost of transportation was great, 
over such hilly, boggy roads from the river towns. 

The people relied upon the pine timber in the past to 
help them out in their support, but now the supply is fail- 
ing and the market also. 

Twenty-seven went into the Continental army the last 
year (1777), and twenty are gone in the same this year. 
Four of these twenty soldiers had large, shiftless families, 



POVERTY OF THE INHABITANTS. 129 

whom they had to support, and the clothing for the sol- 
diers and care of their families cost them at the rate of two 
shillings on the pound, which many of the inhabitants 
were unable to pay and the wealthier paid it and more by 
voluntary subscription. 

One-third of the people were tenants to non-resident 
proprietors, and very few of the people were able to fat 
more cattle and swine than necessary for their own fam- 
ilies. Our families are very numerous, for the support of 
which we are obliged to have more cows in proportion to 
our other stock. Many of these cows are hired on the hard 
condition of returning double their number in the term of 
four years. True the quantity of land used seems larger, but 
it is really overstocked. The truth is it is a miserable poor 
township of land. To sum up, there are ninety families, 
only thirty of whom are able to pay this tax for themselves, 
Only twenty-four have more than three cows; sixteen have 
exactly three, and twenty, one. The remaining thirty fam- 
ilies have none. Not more than forty families are able to 
keep oxen." 

In closing, the memorialists say: " It is unhappy and dis- 
agreeable to be in such a state of poverty, yet it is a fact 
they are obliged to own. This situation is not for want of 
. industry or frugality on the part of the inhabitants, but is 
the result of their circumstances." 

The General Assembly was moved by this doleful peti- 
tion to abate the amount of the tax one-half, the abatement 
being apportioned among the inhabitants by the selectmen, 
as they most needed. 

But nevertheless, the inhabitants of the town were 
patriotic in their poverty, and willing to pay what they 
could towards the expense of carrying on the war as the 
following instance shows. 

A town meeting was held in the fall of 1781, to act upon 
a proposition or article in the warrant, to raise a tax of 
two shillings and six pence on the pound, or twelve and a 
half cents on the dollar, to be paid in produce or clothing 
for the use of the army. The facts of the following inci- 
9 



I30 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



dent in the debate which took place on that occasion were 
related to Mr. Hammond by Dea. Ezra Horton, whose 
strong memory retained them perfectly. 

The article in the warrant of the meeting was opposed 
by Mr. David Bates,. and advocated by Solomon Wales, Esq., 
and Ensign Bugbee. Mr. Bates said in substance, "that it 
was impossible to pay so high a tax as two shillings and 
six pence on the pound. We have already paid enormous 
taxes. And there seemed to be no prospect of relief. The 
war had continued for nearly seven years, and rather than 
be obliged to pay so much and so often it would be better 
to give it up. The British would not oppress us with 
greater burdens." 

Before we allow ourselves to find fault with this mur- 
mur of dissatisfaction that had been expressed, let us con- 
sider how we should now feel in these days of prosperity 
to be called upon to pay a tax ever)?- year of twelve and a 
half cents on the dollar for the support of the National 
Government. After a period of seven years of the hardest 
of hard times of commercial depression, how many times 
would the people of New England pay such a tax to show 
their devotion to the Union ? 

The reply of Squire Wales was short but full of the 
spirit of the times. He began his reply to Mr. Bates by 
asking him how much stock he kept. The answer was, 
fourteen or fifteen head of cattle and fifteen or twenty head 
of sheep. "Aye," said Squire Wales, "about the same that 
I keep." He then said, "When we began this contest, the 
general opinion was that if we could gain our liberties by 
spending half of our property, it would be better than to 
remain as we were. For my part, I am willing to pay this 
tax and another as large, and another still, rather than to 
have the regulars come and take all and hang me besides." 

In reply to a remark that, as the town was small and 
the inhabitants poor, they would not be expected to pay so 
high a tax as other towns, Ensign Bugbee said that "that 
was the very reason why we ought to pay, for being a small 
town, we should thus set a better example for those larger 



BAISIIfG THE TAXES. 131 

and more able." The vote was then taken and the tax 
assessed and paid. 

The persons who took part in these proceedings were 
unambitious of distinction. They aimed only to do their 
duty, and were unconscious what would be thought or said 
of their doings in the latter days. But it was in the town 
meetings such as these, that public sentiment was formed, 
and the determination arose to win our liberties even at 
the greatest sacrifice. The blessings we enjoy to-day are 
largely the result of the self-denying efforts of our fathers. 

Such are the incidents which have been handed down 
to us of the part Union bore in the Revolutionary struggle. 
We can see that Union has rendered good service to the 
countr}^ and at the time of the Revolution, when the popu- 
lation of the whole country was small, the relative impor- 
tance of this town was far greater than now. 

The following is a complete list as far as can be ascer- 
tained, of all the men from Union, who served in the Rev- 
olution either in the Continental Army or in the State 
Militia, with the total length of their service in months, 
the date of their enlistment or service, the place, the dura- 
tion of each period of service in months, and any remarks 
concerning them. E stands for etilisted, and D for drafted. 
Further information about most of these men can be 
obtained from the genealogies. Most of the information 
concerning these men was obtained from Capt. Thomas 
Lawson's records, pay-rolls, etc. A civil list dated June 30, 
1780, gave the time each man had served in the army up to 
that date and the sum due each for his services. 



132 



MILITARY IIISTOBT. 



Name. 



CO 2 

o a 

S3 ° 

a a 



a o 



Remarks. 



1 Caleb Abbott 



2 Nathan Abbott . 

3 William Abbott. 



4 Caleb Allen... 

5 Daniel Allen . 

6 Elisha Allen . 



7 Eeubeu Allen ... 

8 William Allen . 

9 Joseph Angell... 
10 David Armour . 



11 James Armour, Sr. 

12 James Armour, Jr. 



13 Elias Armstrong. 

14 Daniel Badger 



15 Elisha Badger. 



16 Jeremiah Badger. 

17 Jonathan Badger.. 



18 Josiah Badger.. 

19 Caleb Barton... 



20 John Barton 

21 James Bartlett.. 

22 David Bates, Jr. 

23 Aaron Becus 

24 Lemuel Bolles.... 



25 Isaac Booth. 



7+ 



E May 1775 



EJan. 1776 



1779 
1781 
1775 



EMay 1775 



U 

14' 

3 

3^ 

16 
lOi 



D 
EMay. 

D 

D 

D 

EMay 

D 

D 

E 

E 

D 

D 

D 

D 

EMay 

D 

EFeb. 

D 

EMay 

D 



1778 

1781 
1775 

1779 

1782 
1779 
1775 
1777 
1781 
1776 
1776 
1777 
1779 
1776 
1777 
1779 

1775 

1777 
1776 

1779 
1775 

1777 



Cambridge 



Cambridge and 

New York 

New London.... 
New London.... 
Cambridge 



Cambridge . 



Served as a 

minute man. 
New London .. 
Cambridge. 



EFeb. 1776 



E 

EMay 
D 
D 

D 



1779 
1775 

1777 
1777 

1777 



New London . 
New London . 
Cambridge .... 
New London . 
New London 



New London . 
New London . 



Cont. Service. 
New London . 



Cambridge .... 
North River... 
Cambridge .... 
New London . 
Cambridge .... 
New London . 



Cambridge 



New London. 

Cambridge 

Providence 

Taking of Bur- 

goyne. 
Providence 



li 



II 



Killed Jan. 3, 1778, 
while mounting 
a breastwork. 



Ensign. 



Killed at 

Hill. 
Killed at 

Hill. 



Bunker 
Bunker 



Sergeant. 



Died of camp fever. 



SOLDIERS OF TEE REVOLUTION. 



Name. 



tiS 



o > 
E-i 



^ o 

P 



Remarks. 



26 Benjamin Bullin.. 

27 Isaiah Bugbee 

28 Jedediah Bugbee. 



29 Wareham Bugbee.. 

30 Asaph Burley 



31 Jacob Burley. 



32 John Burley ... 

33 Josiah Burley. 



34 Samuel Burley 

35 Frederick Carpenter 

36 Daniel Cheeney 



37 Lemuel Cheeney . 

38 William Cbeeney. 

39 Ebeuezer Child 

40 Parley Child 



36 
20 



15 
16 



12 
6i 



1776 



Coat. Service. 
Around N. Y. 



E 
E 

EMav 
D 

D 



Cambridge 



1775 

1776 

1775 Cambridge 

1777j Taking of Bur- 

1 goyne. 
1779 New London ... 



41 Peuuel Child. 



42 Daniel Colburn. 

43 Amasa Goye 



44 Archibald Coye.. 

45 Levi Coye 

46 Nehemiah Coye . 



47 Parley Coye. 



48 Hugh Cravrford (son 
of James) 



49 John Crawford. 



D 

D 

E 
4 D 

3 lEAug. 
17 EFeb. 

D 
2 D 

E Feb. 

14 I 

IE Feb. 

D 



D 
D 

EFeb. 
E 



1777 
1777 
1780 
1779 
1781 
1776! 
1776 
1778' 
1780; 
1776 



Providence 

New London . 
Cont. Service. 

West Point. 
Cambridge. 
Crown Point. 

Fairfield 

Horseneck. 
Cambridge. 



1776 Cambridge. 

1777 Taking of Bur- 
I goyne. 

1779 Horseneck 

17791 New London... 
17761 Cambridge. 
1776' 



12 

2 D 
55 lEMay 
lE Jan. 



14 



22 



EFeb. 



E 



17:7 

17S0 
1775 
1776 

1777 
1778 
1779 



New York..., 



Crown Point .... 
Horseneck. 

Cambridge 

Cambridge and 

New York 

Cont. Service.... 

Providence 

New London.... 



1 Feb. 1776 Cambridge. 

D 1777 Providence 

E Feb. 1776 Cambridge and 
New York. 



H 



Died of fever in 

1776. 
Killed at New York 



Corporal. 



Died I if 'amp fever 

N(.v. 6, 1776. 
Sergeiint. 



12 

36 

6 



8 Killed ill Virginia. 



134 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



Name. 



05 

J3 O 

33 o 






Remarks. 



50 Samuel Crawford 



51 William Crawford. 

52 Esquire Darby 

53 Peter Dickey 

54 George Dili be 



55 Jonah Drake 

56 Nathaniel Dodge. 

57 Joseph Enos 

58 Joshua Ephraim . 

59 Edward Foster 

60 Beriah Grandy 

61 David Grover 

62 Timothy Green 

63 David Hiscock 

64 Stephen Hiscock. 

65 Thomas Holman .. 

66 Ezra Horton 

67 James Houghton. 

68 John Hunt 



69 Abraham Laflin. 



70 Charles Laflin . 

71 James Laflin 

72 John Laflin, Sr. 



73 John Laflin, Jr.. 

74 Samuel Laflin.... 



75 David Lawson 

76 Ebenezer Lawson 

77 John Lawson, 2d.. 



11 



24 



66 



1 
86 
17 

6 

2 
42 

2 
11 
14 

2 

17 
18 



21 



D 



1776 



1777 



E 1776 

EFeb. 1777 

EFeb. 1781 

D 1781 

E 1780 

E May 1777 



Around N. Y. 



Providence. 
Served through 

for the War. 

Horseneck 

Cont. Service... 

Cont. Service. 



D 1777 New London. 

E 1779 Cont. Service., 

D 1777 New London. 



D 1777 

D 1777 

EMay 1775 
EMay 1777 
D 1777 

D 1779 

D 1781 

EMay 1775 
EJan. 1776 



D 



1781 



New London... 
North River. 
Cambridge. 
Cont. Service. 

North River 

New London ... 

Horseneck 

Cambridge 

Cambridge and 

New York 

Horseneck 



48 EJan. 1776 
17 



*EFeb. 1777 
EJan. 1776 



E Jan. 1776 Cambridge and 

New York. 
Cambridge and 

New York. 
Cont. Service.... 
Cambridge and 

New York 

Taking of Bur- 

goyne. 

New Haven 

New London .... 
West Point. 

North River 

Horseneck 



1777 



1777 
1779 
1781 

1777 
1780 



the 

6 

36 



36 



Taken with 
fever and 
home. 



entire war. 



camp 
came 



12 



SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Name. 



J2 S 



03 « 
O ^ 






Remarks. 



78 John Lawson, 3d. 

79 Robert Lawson ... 



80 Capt. Thos. Lawson 



81 Ebenezer Lillie... 

82 John Lillie 

83 Jonathan Lillie . 

84 Joseph Lillie, Jr 



85 Joseph Lillie, Sr. 

86 Obadiah Lillie 

87 Nathan Lillie 



Daniel Loomis , 



89 Luther Loomis. 

90 Elijah Loomis... 

91 Levi Lyon 



92 Alvan Marcy 

93 Ichabod Marcy 

94 Samuel Marcy, Jr. 



95 Joseph Marsh 

96 Alexander McNall. 



97 Henry McNall. 

98 James McNall.. 

99 Daniel Moore .. 
100 James Moore... 



101 John Moore 

102 Thomas Moore 

103 William Moore, Jr. 



21 



D 1777 
1781 

1777 

1778 

1781 

E June 1777 

D 1780 
E May 1775 
E 1776 
D 1778 

|E April 1777 



1776 

1777 
1778 
1776 
1778 
1779 



2 

3* 

24 
29 
55 



EFeb 

D 

ID 

EMay 1777 

EFeb. 1776 

D 

D 

!e 

,D 

iEMay 
lE Feb. 



E 

EMay 
E Jan. 

D 

E 

D 
D 
D 
D 



1777 
1779 
1776 

1777 
1775 
1776 

1777 
1780 
1775 
1776 

1779 
1780 

1782 
1779 
1781 
1779 



EMay 1775 
EJan. 1776 

E June 1777 



Providence. 



Taking of Bur- 

goyne. 
New London. 
New London. 
Cont. Service. 

Horseneck. 
Cambridge 



Cont. Service. 



New Loudon . 

Fairfield 

Cambridge .... 



Cont. Service. 
Cambridge. 

Providence 

New London.... 



Providence 

Cambridge 

Cambridge. 
Crown Point. 
Cont. Service. 

Cambridge 

Cambridge and 
New York 



Cont. Service. 

New London. 
New London . 
New London . 



Cambridge. 
Cambridge and 

New York. 
Cont. Service. 



H 



Lieutenant. 



Corporal. 



Sergeant. 



Killed in Virginis 
Dec. 1781. 



136 



IflLITABY HISTORY. 



Name. 



ja o 

C g 

-> v 
OS « 

o ^ 






Remarks. 



104 David Morse 

105 Epbraim Muuger.... 

106 Daniel Needham .... 

107 Jacob Newell 

108 Nathaniel Newell.. 

109 Jeremiah Parks j 2 

110 John Paul ' 

111 Matthew Paul . 

112 Samuel Paul 



1 
14 

7 

10 
15 



24 
3 



113 Robert Paul, Jr 18 

114 Robert Paul, 3d 36 

115 Eleazar Peagon 36 

116 Thomas Pettee 21 

117 Francis Pierce 9 

118 Isaac Roberts I 2 

119 John Ruby 15+ 



120 Benjamin Sanger 



121 Abijah Sessions. 



122 Abner Sessions 

123 Ebenezer Sessions.. 

124 John Sessions 

125 Nathaniel Sessions 

126 Abel Simonds 

127 JohnSmallege 

128 James Sprague 



129 Joseph Stone... 

130 Samuel Stone. 



131 Alexander Strong . 

132 Samuel Strong 



133 John Taylor 

134 Samuel Taylor . 



13— 



17 

9 
13 



9 
43 



EMay 1775 



Cambridge. 



1776 Around N. Y. 

1779 

1781 



D 
D 

EMay 
E 



New London . 



Cont. Service. 

1778 Cont. Service. 



1777 North River. 

1776 

1777, Crown Point. 
1779 New London . 

1781 Horseueck 

1775 Cambridge. 
1776 



EMay 1775 
E 1776 



Cambridge . 



1781' West Point.... 
17791 New London . 



EMay 1775 Cambridge. 
E Jan. 1776 Cambridge and 
New York 



E 
D 

lE 
D 

14 I 

16 D 

;e. 

E 
E 
D 

E 



May 1777 Cont. Service. 

1778 .-. 

1780 Cont. Service. 
Fairfield 



1777 Providence. 



18 

8i 



1778 
1779 
1780 



Providence. 



Cont. Service. 



1 Ensign. 



12 



Died of fever Oct. 
15, 1776. 



Killed at the battle 
of White Plains. 
Ensign. 



A Lieutenant and 
a very brave man. 



SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 



137 



Name. 



5 ° 



S-l 

Q 



Eemarks. 



135 Thomas Taylor... 

136 Abel Thompson. 



137 David Thompson .. 

138 James Thompson... 

139 Rufus Thompson... 

140 David Twist 

141 Eieazar Wales 

142 Elijah Wales 

143 John Wales 



144 Nathaniel Wales 

145 Oliver Wales 

146 Capt.Solom'n Wales 

147 Benjamin Walker. 

148 Ezra Walker 



149 James Walker , 



150 Simonds Walker 



151 Abij ah Williams... 

152 Asabel Williams ... 

153 Eliphat Williams... 

154 Wm. Williams, Jr. 

155 Daniel Wheeler 

156 Joseph Winter 



157 John Wright. 



158 Simeon WVight 

159 Simeon Wright, Jr. 



43 



EMay 1775 
EFeb. 1776 
E April 1777 
1777 
D 1778 

D 1779 

E 1780 

EMay 1775 
D 1779 



7 

21 

5 

2 
22 
15 

13 



Cambridge 

Cambridge. 
Cont. Service. 
Crown Point. 



E 1780 

D 1781 

EMay 1775 



EFeb. 
D 



1 
1779' 

1780j 

1775! 
1781 
1781 
1777 
1777 
45 I EMay 1775 



New London . 
Cont. Service. 

Cambridge 

New London . 
Cont. Service. 
Cont. Service. 
New London . 
Cambridge. 

Cambridge. 
New London . 
Horseneck 



5i 



15 
16 
10 



D 

EFeb 

D 

D 

D 

D 

D 

EFeb. 1776 

EMay 1775 



1777 
1781 
1778 
1779 

1781 
1780 

1778 



D 
D 
8+ E Feb. 
D 
E 



18 



1777 
1779 
1776 
1777 

1777 



New London . 
New London . 
New London . 

Providence 

New Loudon . 

Cambridge 

New London . 
Cont. Service. 

New London . 

New London . 

Horseneck. 

Fairfield. 

Cambridge. 

Cambridge. 

Providence 

New London . 
Cambridge. 
New London . 
Served as a 

minute man, 
Cont. Service. 



E 

E Feb. 1776 Cambridge 



U 



Corporal. 



Killed. 



Captain. 



Sergeant. 



138 MILITARY HISTORY. 

UNION MEN IN THE WAR OF l8l2. 

During- the War of 181 2, in the summer of 1814, the 
British threatened to land at New London, and a call was 
made on the militia for its defense. Fifteen men were 
drafted from Union. Some of these did not go but pro- 
cured substitutes. The names of those who went were as 
follows: Preston Armour, Paul Lawson, John Burley, (son 
of Jacob), William Dickey, Walter Dickey, George Thomp- 
son, Joseph Wales, Alpheus Saunders, Thomas Ruby, fifer, 
Jason Hawes, Williard Badger, Charles Foster, fifer, 
Cheeney Griggs, drummer, Alexander Strong, Edmund 
Fuller, Cephas Howard. 

The names of those who were drafted and procured 
substitutes, were Thomas Holman, Abijah Sessions, Jede- 
diah Morse, Manassah Howard, Rufus Holman and Benja- 
min Corbin. These were so situated that it was difficult 
for them to leave, and then the terrible massacre of Fort 
Griswold w-as remembered and there was some fear lest it 
might be repeated. These men afterwards petitioned the 
town that recompense be allowed them for the expense 
they had incurred in providing men to go, since "the war 
being waged for the common benefit of all, it should be 
prosecuted at the common expense of all." But it seems 
that the petition was not granted by the town. 

The men who went to New London were there through 
September, and were discharged Oct. 24th, 1814. They had 
no actual fighting, since, although the British ships often 
appeared outside the harbor, tliey made no attempt to land. 
A story is told of the British firing a cannon ball from the 
distance at a party of soldiers at Stonington, who were 
standing by a rail fence watching the ship. The ball came 
with its force nearly spent and struck a rail upon which a 
tall, lank fellow was sitting. He came tumbling down on 
his head and hurt himself considerably. If the British 
were watching through their glasses, they must have con- 
sidered it a great joke. 

There are references to other drafts during the war 
besides this particular one of men to go to New London, 



TRAININGS IN UNION. 



139 



but the compiler has been unable to find out about 
them. 

THE MILITARY TRAININGS. 

During the entire period from before the Revolution to 
about 1846, all the able bodied men in town, between the 
ages of eighteen and thirty-five, were required to meet at 
least once a year for the purpose of military drill. Those 
between 35 and 45 must appear but need not train. There 
were company, regimental and brigade trainings. The 
captains of the company in Union, as far as ascertained, 
were, Thomas Lawson, Penuel Child, David Lawson, 
Nathaniel Newell, Samuel Crawford, Jr., Samuel Corbin, 
Charles Crawford, Moses C. Sessions, Trenclc Crawford, 
Burke Foster, Danford Morse, Harvey Walker, Judson 
Smith, Andrew Wales, and Clinton Howard. During the 
Revolution and subsequently, the company in Union was 
the 5th of the 22d regiment, but from about the time of the 
war of 181 2 on, it was the 8th in the nth regiment. If the 
men did not appear, to answer to the roll call on training 
day, a fine was charged. The poor man who wrote the fol- 
lowing note seems to have had ample reason for being 
excused for not appearing. His trouble did not come sin- 
gle, and besides, the perplexity he seems to have had about 
how to spell the words ought to have excited commisera- 
tion. We copy the note word for word as it was written: 
"Union, October the first, 1774. 

Capt. Lawson 

Sur, I was warned to apar at the place of prade with arms 
and amoliashon. I take this oppertunity to write to you 
that I am under Bad Sircomstancsas. I Have Lost a Goint 
of my wright thum and cut of the cord of my Heal. So that 
I have Not trained Sence. But Not with standing T should 
be very Free to Sarve you in the Componey, But I Have No 
Gun. But I mean to have one as soon as I can. I Beg your 
Favor on the acount. vSo No more at present. 

But I Remain your Humble Sarvint 

Francis Goodhue." 



I40 MILITARY BISTORT. 

The original place of parade was southwest of the old 
meeting-house, on the south part of the ten acres reserved 
for public uses. But afterwards it used to be near 
Nathaniel Newell's. In 1822 he gave the town a lease of a 
part of the lot west of his house for a parade ground, and 
it was there that the trainings afterwards took place. 

Some of the men had uniforms and others were in their 
everyday clothes, making a rather motley looking com- 
pany. One of the bad features of the trainings was that a 
great deal of drinking took place in connection with them. 

It became the custom for the captain to treat the com- 
pany and give them a dinner. When Samuel Corbin was 
chosen captain he did not conform to this custom. Instead 
of taking his company to Newell's tavern, as usual, he 
started them down towards Deacon Ezra Horton's temper- 
ance hotel. But a part of the company mutinied and 
refused to obey him. A court-martial was held. Captain 
Corbin was tried, and considerable excitement was roused. 
For some reason Deacon Horton did not keep a hotel after 
this occurrence. 

An interesting story is told in connection with the 
trainings, which shows how numerous the Moores were in 
town. There were a dozen men, more or less, by that 
name in the company. When the roll was called it took a 
long time to get through with the list of men who bore 
that name. At last, when it was completed, the rest of the 
company would sing out: "Are there any more of them?" 

There were two regimental trainings held in Union 
about 1839-40, while Moses C. Sessions, of Union, was 
colonel. The other companies which composed the regi- 
ment were from Woodstock, Thompson, Pomfret, etc. They 
were dissatisfied because the training was held so far west, 
away on one side of the region in which the men 
belonging to the regiment lived, and hence they came to 
Union very unwillingly. The second 3^ear a cold storm set 
in during the training, and the men suffered considerably. 
They returned to their homes in a very disgusted frame of 
mind. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



141 



The trainings degenerated in character and became 
more of a farce than anything else. Incompetent officers 
were chosen and the discipline was poor. Hence it was a 
relief to all good citizens when training was abolished 
about 1846. 

UNION MEN IN THE REBELLION. 

Little more was thought of military matters till 
186 1, when the fall of Sumter and the President's call 
for troops vividly impressed the minds of the young 
men with the thought that it might be their lot to be- 
come soldiers. 

The feeling of the time was expressed in a poem by one 
of Union's sons, Elbridge G. Paul, entitled " Our Country." 
The author of it enlisted for the defense of his country and 
was with Sherman on his victorious "March to the Sea." 
We give the following extracts from it: 

" Full oft have poets sung thy praise. 

And eulogized thy name, 
Recounted thy historic past 

Without a tinge of shame. 
There's not a nation on the earth 

But calls thee great and free. 
Thy fame has spread from pole to pole; 

Extends from sea to sea, 
Where-e'er a nation craves that boon. 

Well guarded liberty. 

Upon thy once so happy shore. 

Has come a doleful change. 
And many not expecting it. 

Have deemed it wondrous strange; 
Thy banner, which so proudly waved, 

Is trailing in the dust; 
A fratricidal war has come, 

As causeless as unjust. 
That thou'lt go down as Rome went down 

There are many fear thou must. 



142 MILITARY HISTORY. 

And must thy future be submerged 

In this secession flood ? 
Thy very name be blotted out 

In anarchy and blood ? 
Forbid it every battle field, 

Which cost so much to gain; 
Forbid it all thy past career, 

Our heritage of fame; 
Forbid it ! Freedom's hosts respond, 

With loud prolonged acclaim. 

Oh loose the shackles of the slave. 

Proclaim the bondman free, 
Let patriots know that every blow 

Will tell for liberty; 
For many'll strike to shield the right 

Who will not fight for fun; 
A million freemen spring to arms, 

When-e'er the deed is done. 
And lest there's fear I'm not sincere, 

Enroll my name as one." 

There were none who enlisted directly from town in 
1861, although there were several who had lived in Union 
who enlisted from other places during that year. These 
were, Albert Hiscox, who enlisted from Griswold, April 
25th, upon President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men for three 
months; he was in Rifle Co. D, of the 3rd regiment, and 
was in the battle of Bull Run, where he received a slight 
wound; Frank Letcher, who had shortly before gone from 
Union to Suffield to school, and who enlisted May 23rd, 
and was in Co. C, ist Regiment Conn. Vol. Heavy Artil- 
lery; he was out three years; also Allen W. Towne, who 
was mustered December 19th, into Co. D, ist Rhode Island 
Cavalry, and who served three years. Daniel Braman also 
enlisted in Woodstock, in Co. K, 7th Reg., and Marcus L. 
Braman enlisted June 21, 1861, and was in Co. F, 5th Reg. 

In the summer of 1862, Union men began to enlist in 
good earnest. In the latter part of July and first part of 



UNION MEN AT ANTIETAM. 



143 



August, eleven men from Union enlisted for three years 
and on August 24th were mustered into Co. I, i6th Regi- 
ment. (Their names and other facts will be found in the 
following table). The men in this regiment went to Wash- 
ington, August 29th, and were in camp at Arlington 
Heights for a few daj^s. About this time Lee made his 
first invasion into Mar3'-land, and the regiment was hurried 
forward by forced marches to join the Army of the 
Potomac in resisting him. On September 17th, the bloody 
battle of Antietam was fought, and this green regiment 
was thrown to the front. As it entered the fatal cornfield 
it was met by a most terrific volley of musketry, and the 
slaughter was appalling. Men fell by the score. The 
colonel saw that the regiment would be annihilated if it 
remained there, and gave the order, '' Every man for him- 
self." Those who were uninjured broke away into a full 
retreat. In this battle the Union boys suffered severely. 
All except two were wounded. Stephen Himes was killed 
outright, and James Himes was wounded so that he died a 
few days later. Six of them were discharged for disability 
early the next year. Only one, Nelson Yotmg, was with 
the remnant of the regiment when it was captured, April 
20th, 1864, at Plymouth, N. C. He died in Andersonville 
prison, July 21, 1864. 

In the latter part of August, 1862, a movement was 
started in Union to enlist men in response to the Presi- 
dent's call for 300,000 militia to serve nine months, dated 
Aug. 4, 1862. At this time David P. Corbin was in Suffield, 
where he had been teaching. He enlisted Aug. 25th, and 
came to Union to raise recruits. The town acted gener- 
ously towards those who should enlist. On August 23, it 
voted to pay $100 bounty to any one who should enlist in 
the military service of the United States, who was a resi- 
dent of town, and $2 a month to his wife and each of his 
children under the age of fourteen, while he continued 
in the service. George D. Colburn, Daniel S. Crawford, 
and David P. Corbin had been chosen August 2d, as a com- 
mittee to procure enlistments. Before September loth 



144 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



seventeen men had volunteered for nine months. On Sep- 
tember loth a draft was made to fill out the quota of the 
town. The names of seven men were drawn. They were, 
John Booth, Melven Booth, George Thayer, Washington 
Sibley, Wm. Esterbrooks, George Marcy, Albert Weld 
and Danford Morse, Jr. Wm. Esterbrooks, George Marcy, 
and Albert Weld secured the following substitutes, respect- 
ively: Joseph White, George Holdworth and Charles 
Knight. On October 6th, the town voted to pay $ioo to 
each of the men recently drafted. These men or their sub- 
stitutes and those who had previously enlisted, twenty- 
three in all, were mustered into the 2 2d Regiment, Co. G, 
on September 20, 1862. The other men in the company were 
nearly all from Suffield. On October 2d, the regiment left 
Hartford for New York by steamer and thence proceeded 
by rail to Washington. After camping in various places 
in its vicinity, the regiment went into winter quarters at 
Miner's Hill, Va., about eight miles from Washington. 
Here the men lived in the log cabins which they had con- 
structed, from November 27, 1862, till February 12, 1863. 
During this time constant attention was given to drill. In 
February and March the regiment was engaged in build- 
ing fortifications near Arlington. April 15, 1863, it 
embarked by steamer for Norfolk. In the vicinity of Suf- 
folk it remained for three weeks, expecting an attack at 
any time. On May 3d, it was transported to West Point, 
on the York River, where it remained three weeks. On 
June 9th, the regiment was in the advance toward Rich- 
mond, known as the " Blackberry Raid." Returning from 
Yorktown, it embarked by steamer for Hartford, where it 
arrived June 29th, and was mustered out July 7, 1863. This 
regiment saw no fighting and consequently none of its 
members were injured in action. Of the Union soldiers, 
however, two, E. B. Foster and Frank Walker, died of 
fever. 

There were no enlistments of Union men after 1862, 
although two drafts were made. The men drafted either 
procured substitutes or paid their commutation fee. The 



HIRING SOLDIERS. 145 

town paid $300 to each man who went or procured a sub- 
stitute and |;2oo to each who paid the commutation. Feb. 
10, 1864, David Newell, Aaron A. Wales, William M. Cor- 
bin, and Calvin Marcy were chosen agents for the town to 
fill its quota; and June 27, 1864, David Newell was appoint- 
ed to fill the quota of the town in all future requisitions. 
Men from out of town were hired for this purpose. It 
made a great expense to the town and a debt had to be 
contracted which was not paid up until about 1881. 



146 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



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148 MILITARY HISTORY. 

An Ebenezer L. Belknap of Union (son of Simons), died 
in the army. 

George C. Leonard, who was born and lived in Union, 
enlisted in a Rhode Island Regiment. John F. James went 
from Suffield in Co. G, 2 2d Regiment. Besides the above, 
there lie buried at Union, the following who lived in 
Union during or after the war : Edward Baker, of Co. I, 
i6th Reg. C. V. Inf., enlisted Aug. 11, '62, discharged for 
disability, April 23, '64; W. H. Belknap, Co. L, ist Mass. 
cavalry; A. W. Perry, Co. D, nth U. S. Inf. There is also 
a monument to the Bosworth brothers, although they were 
buried in the South. They enlisted in Enfield, and were 
in Co. D, 1 6th Reg. Both were taken prisoners. Francis 
H. Bosworth died at Annapolis, Md., Feb. 21, 1863, ae 21; 
Alonzo N. Bosworth died at Andersonville, Ga., June 20, 
1864, as 20. 

In 1864, several colored men were hired by the town to 
fill out its quota. Their names were Henry Antone, George 
Johnson, John Wilson, and Thomas Wormsley. These 
were all in the 29th colored C. V. Inf. There was also a 
Thomas Wilson in Co. D, 15th C. V. Inf. 



SOLDIERS FROM OTHER PLACES. 



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ISO 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



The D. P. Corbin Post, No. 74, G. A. R., of Union, was 
chartered in the fall of 1884, with the following members: 
J. W. Winch, W. G. Howard, M. P. J. Walker, C. Young, R. 
B. Horton, N. Wallace, E. G. Hewett, T. A. Hudson, E. W. 
Upham, E. S. Severy. 

Its present members from Union are: J. W. Winch, W. 
G. Howard, M. P. J. Walker, G. W. Thayer, R. B. Horton, 
F. Martin, T. A. Hudson, J. B. Winch, E. W. Upham, P. W. 
Newcomb, W. F. Ctimmings, E. W. Brown. 

Besides these, there are a number of others from East- 
ford, Ashford, and Woodstock. 

The commanders of the Post have been, J. W. Winch, 
W. G. Howard, N. W. Wallace, R. B. Horton, F. W. Gordon. 
The meetings are held on the evenings of the second 
Tuesday of each month, at the Town Hall, at Union. 

Since the Post has been in existence in Union, memo- 
rial day has been observed each year by appropriate exer- 
cises. The soldiers .have usually met at North Ashford, 
and decorated the graves there, then proceeded to the East 
Cemetery and decorated the graves of former soldiers, 
especially of Captain Corbin, going thence to Union and 
completing the work there. At noon a collation is held in 
the Town Hall, and in the afternoon there are exercises in 
the church, consisting of addresses, singing, etc. The Post 
usually holds a picnic at Mashapaug each summer. 



CHAPTER V. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JESSE OLNEY, A. M. DR. SHUBAEL HAMMOND DEACON SAMUEL 

CRAWFORD JUDGE I. W. CRAWFORD— ELEAZER FOSTER 

ELEAZER K. FOSTER REV. S. I. CURTISS REV. GEORGE 

CURTISS — PROF. S. I. CURTISS, D. D. — CAPTAIN CHAUNCEY 

PAUL HARVEY WALKER HANNAH MOORE MRS. CALISTA 

HOLMAN VINTON REV. THOMAS HOLMAN MOSES G. LEON- 
ARD JARED D. SESSIONS JOSEPH M. GRIGGS — SARAH A. PAUL 

DAVID P. CORBIN, A. M. WILLIAM M. CORBIN JUSTUS V. 

LAWSON CHARLES F. MORSE REV. ISAAC BOOTH, D. D. 

PHILIP D. ARMOUR ANDREW W. ARMOUR DWIGHT MARCY 

— PHILIP CORBIN M. A, MARCY JOEL H. REED. 

JESSE OLNEY, A. M. 

THIwS celebrated teacher and author was born in Union, 
October 12th, 1798. His birthplace was in the south- 
east part of town, where there is a cellar-hole on what is 
known as the George Leonard place. His father, Ezekiel 
Olney, was a poor man and could barely afford a primary 
education for his children. When Jesse was nineteen years 
old, impatient to be no longer a burden to the family, and 
ambitious to mix in the world's great affairs, he asked from 
his father a release from family duties ; this was cheerfully 
accorded him, and, armed with this document, he started 
forth single-handed and unaided, but stout of heart, to 
"hew his way through the world." Though he was obliged 
to struggle with poverty, he managed to get an education at 
Whitesborough, N. Y. He taught there and at Bingham- 
ton, N. Y. He also studied at Hamilton College, which 
afterwards conferred on him the degree of A. M. In 1821, 
he became principal of the Stone School at Hartford, where 
he continued till 1831. In 1828, he brought out a "Geography 



152 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



and Atlas," which was at once accepted as a standard work 
and which for thirty years was used in nearly every public 
and private school in the United States. It was many times 
enlarged and revised and ran through ninety-eight editions, 
some of them numbering 80,000 copies. Millions of copies 
have been sold and the popularity of "Olney 's Geography "has 
been surpassed only by that of " Webster's Spelling Book." 
This work has the distinction of having caused a complete 
revolution in the methods of teaching geography. Mr. 
Olney was a practical instructor and was dissatisfied with 
the existing class books and treatises, which began with an 
exposition of the science of astronomy and making the cen- 
ter of the solar system the initial point, developed the 
scheme until it finally included the earth. Mr. Olney 
reversed this method. He began with the scholar's own 
continent, in fact, in the very city, town or village where 
he lived, and made clear by lucid definitions the natural 
divisions of land and water; illustrating each instance by 
the use of maps. His plan was to familiarize the child 
with the surface of the earth by going from the near to the 
distant, and from the concrete to the abstract. This sys- 
tem at once overthrew theoretic geography and introduced 
the modern and practical science. The immediate success 
of the work led Mr. Olnc}^ to give up teaching and devote 
himself to authorship. In 1834, he removed to Southing- 
ton, Conn., where he resided till 1854. Although he did 
not teach here, he devoted himself to the cause of popular 
education. The text-books which he published are besides 
his geographies, a series of readers, "The National Pre- 
ceptor," "The Easy Reader," "The School Reader," "The 
Little Reader;" also "The Arithmetic and Child's Manual," 
a valuable "History of the United States," for the use of 
schools, and "A Family Book of History." In the late years 
he also compiled a little book of stirring poetry, breathing 
the spirit of the age, entitled "Psalms of Life." 

During the time which Mr. Olney lived at Southington, 
he achieved a name and fame which was world wide, as a 
man of broad and liberal views; as a man of letters; as a 



f^\ 




^/P-L^f^-r^ (V^ 






'U 



7 



DR. SHUBAEL HAMMOND. 153 

zealoUvS friend of education, as a leader in the councils of 
his party. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, a follower 
of Jackson, whom he greatly resembled in appearance and 
character. He fourteen times represented his town in the 
lower branch of the legislature. He was once a candidate 
for Senator and once received the nomination for Secretary 
of State. In 1867, after years of retirement, he was called 
to serve the state for two successive terms in the respon- 
sible office of Comptroller of Public Accounts. In this posi- 
tion his honesty and unswerving integrity gained for him 
the title of "The Old Roman," and his advice was sought 
and heeded by all the state officials and political leaders. 
In all his official capacities he used his influence to build 
up the system of public schools in Connecticut. 

In religion he was a Baptist when he went to Southing- 
ton; but being borne along upon the crest of the wave of 
liberal thought which subsequently swept through New 
England, he took strong ground for and became an earnest 
advocate of the tenets of the Unitarian church. This 
change of belief created a great deal of disturbance among 
the inhabitants, for by his efforts a new society was formed 
in this hot-bed of Calvinism, so to speak, followed by the 
erection of a church edifice which he built and maintained 
principally from his private purse. 

In 1854, he removed from Southington to Stratford, 
Conn., where he passed the rest of his life. He died July 
3TSt, 1872, and lies buried at Stratford. 

He married Elizabeth Barnes, of Southington, May 4th, 
1829. They reared a family of six children. 

DR. SHUBAEL HAMMOND. 

Shubael Hammond was born in Sturbridge, Mass., Feb. 
20th, 1776. It was the intention of his father to give 
him a liberal education, and with this end in view he sent 
him to Leicester Academy. Disappointed in respect to a 
course at Harvard, he studied medicine with Dr. Eaton of 
Dudley, Mass., and commenced practice in Union in the 
year 1800, where he remained until his death. In early life 



154 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



he taught school, and retained his interest in education all 
his days. He was very fond of flowers, and knew the 
names and medicinal virtues of every plant, shrub, and tree. 
He loved music and poetry, and wrote respectable compo- 
sitions in sacred inusic and verse. He was a close observer 
of all natiiral phenomena, marking every unusual astro- 
nomical appearance. He studied the philosophy of his pro- 
fession, and was familiar with the various medical theories 
of the ancient and modern practitioners. He lived in a 
small town and had a practice limited by his circumstances; 
and with a delicate physical constitution, he shrank often 
from the toils and exposures of his profession, especially 
in his old ag'e. He feared no mortal man, but had an 
instinctive dread of fierce winds and thunderstorms. He 
had a smile the most genuine ever seen on human face, but 
never was known to shed a tear. His forte was fortitude. 
" He was scrupulously honest, honorable and conscientious, 
and yet was not connected with any church. He had an 
instinctive dread of vain, vapid talk on religious themes. 
They were too serious with him to be trifled with, as they 
really are in a great many religious meetings. His views 
were those of the orthodox denominations. He was a 
model farmer and horticulturist. He was a man of few 
words, especially in the rooms of the sick. His wife was 
apt and judicious, and he was a most agreeable companion. 
He was a distinguished physician and a highly respectable 
citizen." He died July 25th, 1857. 

DEACON SAMUEL CRAWFORD. 

(This sketch and that of Judge Crawford, were kindly furnished by 
Ossian T. Crawford, of Worcester, Mass. , who has also given much 
information to the compiler in regard to the Crawford family). 

Deacon Samuel Crawford was very tall (over 6 feet)^ 
and a man of great power of endurance. He was a man of 
great mental ability. He represented his native town in 
the State Legislature for a large portion of the time dur- 
ing 21 years, from 1788 to 1809. During this time there 
were two sessions yearly, in May and Oct. Deacon Craw- 




Shubael Hammond, M. D. 




Hon. Ingolsby W. Crawford. 



JUDGE I. W. CRAWFORD. 155 

ford was in twenty-two of these. He was selectman of 
Union 17 years (from 1782 to 1804). He was a man of 
wealth for his times, and at one time owned more than 
1000 acres of land, a large portion of it covered with 
the best pine timber. He lived where Willis Howard now 
does. On the marriage of his children he would give them 
a farm, and thus the land he formerly owned was scattered 
through a numerous family. He was positive in his relig- 
ious belief, and was a conscientious member and a deacon 
of the Baptist church in West Woodstock for many years. 
Baptist meetings were at one time held in Union, in what 
was latterly the Eleazer Kinney house, west of the Newell 
tavern. But there were not people enough of that belief to 
continue them, so Mr. Crawford went to West Woodstock. 
At that time all property was taxed to support the domi- 
nant church of the state. Deacon Crawford once had three 
cows taken by the constables towards paying Rev. Mr. 
Horton's salary. He was a firm man and had a strong will, 
but a kind disposition, and no father would do more for his 
children. He was an extraordinary man for the time and 
opportunities, and surroundings of the remote country 
town where he labored for the good of man. He was a 
soldier in the Continental Army during the dark and troub- 
lesome days of the summer of 1776, when nearly one- 
third of the army were sick with camp-fever. He was 
taken down with it and when the report reached Union, his 
brother John went and brought him home. Both John and 
his father took the fever from Samuel, and died of it, while 
he recovered. 

JUDGE INGOLDSBY WORK CRAWFORD. 

Ingoldsby W. Crawford, the son of Deacon Samuel 
Crawford, was born in Union, August 7th, 1786. He lived 
most of his life on a farm given him by his father, in the 
east part of the town, and partly in Woodstock. He 
injured his back when young, and was unable to perform 
any very laborious work. He had a fair education, which 
he derived mostly from his own reading and study. He 



156 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



held many offices of public trust; was Collector of the Port 
of New London under the administration of Andrew 
Jackson, of whom he was a warm supporter. He was asso- 
ciate justice of Tolland Co. Court; member of the vState 
Convention held in Hartford, in August, 1818, which 
formed the State Constitution — one of the greatest bless- 
ings for the State. He was a prominent free mason, hold- 
ing high offices in both the grand lodge and grand chap- 
ter, and often attended the meetings of the bodies in 
different parts of the country. He prepared an arithmetic 
for publication, but owing to the cost declined to have it 
printed; was much interested in the schools of his native 
town, being a visitor, and a member of the Examining Com- 
mittee to license teachers. He was member of the State 
Legislature in 1816, '17, '18, '19, '20, '22, '24, and '25. Toward 
the end of his life he sold his place, and lived on the Dr. 
Hammond place, where Mason Horton now lives (1891). 
In religion he was a Universalist. He died Nov. 24, 1867, 
and was buried in the East cemetery in Union. 

ELEAZER FOSTER. 

Eleazer Foster, the son of Edward Foster, was born in 
Union, June 6, 1778. He was obliged to rely on his own 
exertions to gain the means necessary for pursuing his 
education, and he was never blessed with vigorous health. 
Nevertheless, he graduated from Yale College in 1802, with 
a high rank and character in a class noted for members 
who in college and afterwards were distinguished; among 
which were the names of Isaac C. Bates, Samuel Hubbard, 
William Maxwell, Gideon Tomlinson, and Jeremiah Evarts. 
Having served as an instructor for some time in Leicester 
Academy, Mass., where he had fitted for college, he settled 
as a lawyer in New Haven, Conn. Early after his admis- 
sion to the bar he gave such decided proofs of industry, 
capacity, integrity, and discretion, that the public voice 
called him to sustain many offices of importance to the wel- 
fare of the community. For the same reason the concerns 
of individuals were committed to his management with a 



JUDGE E. K. FOSTER. 



157 



confidence to an extent rarely witnessed. As executor of 
wills, administrator on the estates of deceased persons, 
assignee of debtors, agent for creditors, and in the execu- 
tion of many other trusts he was constantly employed, and 
such was his undeviating rectitude that he uniformly 
merited the approbation of all interested in the trusts. 

For the higher stations of a magistrate and a represent- 
ative in the legislature, he was guided by that uprightness 
and impartiality which fully evinced his love of justice and 
his sacred regard for the triie interests of the people. 

To the poor, the humble and the helpless, the widow 
and the fatherless, with whom in the discharge of duty he 
often associated, he was ever kind, attentive and generous. 
As a friend, a neighbor and a citizen, he was sincere, prud- 
ent and benevolent. 

In all the dear and interesting relations of domestic 
life, he was always affectionate and faithful. It is unneces- 
sary to add that he was universally beloved and respected. 
He was a very exemplary and useful member of the church 
of Christ, and lived under the steady influence of religious 
principle. He died May 4th, 1819, in the forty-first year of 
his age. Thus his career was short, and closed before the 
fruits of early promise could be gathered. But his example 
was not without its influence. In the sketch of the schools 
of Union, we mention the fact that William L. Marcy, Sec- 
retary of State under President Pierce, received his first 
impulse from Eleazer Foster. Union may well be proud 
of this son of hers. 

JUDGE ELEAZER K. FOSTER. 

This distinguished son of his distinguished father 
Eleazer Foster, was born in New Haven, May 20, 1813. His 
mother, Mary Pierpont, was a lineal descendant of Rev. 
James Pierpont, who settled in the ministry in New Haven, 
in 1684, and was one of the founders of Yale college; and 
of Mary Hooker, daughter of Rev. Samuel Hooker, of 
Farmington. His family have always resided in New 
Haven, and partly upon the original homestead of Rev. 



158 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Mr. Pierpont. Graduating at Yale college in 1834, he 
studied law, and was admitted to the bar in New Haven, in 
March, 1837, and where he always resided. Thus closely 
was he identified with that city. 

Mr. Foster married Miss Mary Codrington, then of New 
Haven, a lady of English birth, and formerly of Kingston, 
Jamaica, January 2, 1838. Three sons survive him, all 
graduates of Yale college; William E., now an editor of the 
Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Eleazer K., a practicing lawyer 
in Florida, and John P. C, a practicing physician in New 
Haven. A beloved daughter, Mary, died December 12, 
1864, at the age of twenty-one. His wife died September 
25, 1872. 

Soon after his admission to the bar he was elected the 
prosecuting grand juror of the town. He was appointed 
Judge of Probate for the New Haven district in the years 
1845, 1846, 1848, 1849. In 1854 he was appointed State 
Attorney for New Haven county, and was nominated to 
be Register in Bankruptcy by Chief Justice Chase when 
that office was created, and continued in both these posi- 
tions to the time of his death. He was a member of the 
Common Council of New Haven during six years. He 
represented the town in the General Assembly in the years 
1844 and 1845, and in 1865, when he was chosen Speaker of 
the House. In 1858, he was a candidate for the Republican 
nomination for the office of Governor of this state, but was 
defeated by Governor Buckingham, who received a few 
more votes. Later his friends again proposed to him to 
be a candidate, when he would probably have been nom- 
inated and elected, but he withdrew from the canvass for 
private reasons. 

This brief record of offices and honors convey no idea of 
the man. At the bar, in public life, and in society. Judge 
Foster was a man of mark. The eminence that he attained 
at the bar was not due to laborious application or systematic 
study. A noble presence, a grand voice, the graces of 
oratory, wit and humor, the power of eloquence, a thorough 
knowledge of human nature and full sympathy with all 



MEV. S. I. CURTISS, SB. 159 

ranks of men, these were the gifts that always secured to 
him a place in the front rank of the profession. 

In many respects Judge Foster was peculiarly fitted 
to adorn the highest positions in public life. And 
this fitness was also recognized by the people. In pol- 
itics he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party; 
after that always an earnest Republican. As a public and 
political speaker he was necessarily a great favorite. The 
political and public meetings and the ceremonious occasions 
which he has graced with his presence and enlivened with 
his wit and eloquence, were almost countless. While the 
people loved him and honored him whenever they had 
opportunity, those arts by which nominations are secured 
he was not the master of, and less able and more contriving 
men often grasped the prizes that might have been worthily 
bestowed upon him. 

He died June 13th, 1877, greatly lamented by the people 
of the beautiful city where he lived. 

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND LABORS OF THE REV. SAMUEL 

IVES CURTISS. 

(prepared by rev. GEO. CURTISS). 

The Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss was born at Meriden, 
Conn., March 5, 1803. His father owned a farm about two 
miles west of the centre of the town, known as the Mur- 
dock place at present. There the future minister spent his 
early days, till he became of age. He was the oldest son in a 
family of seven children. His father was frequently away 
from home on business and the care of the farm at those 
times devolved on Samuel, and thtis he acquired an ability 
to manage aif airs, which was of great use to him in later 
years. From earl}^ childhood he was noted for his sedate 
deportment, and as always being a good boy. Of naturally 
a serious turn of mind, he was often deeply interested in the 
subject of religion, and was finally led to consecrate him- 
self publicly to Christ. After this, he felt sure that he had a 
divine call to enter the ministry of the gospel, and so he pre- 
pared himself as best he could at Bangor and New Haven 



i6o BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

seminaries. He was ordained, and installed pastor of the 
Congregational church in East Hampton, Conn., November, 
1832, and continued there about five years. After supplying 
at West Woodstock, he came to Union, first, to preach for 
a fev/ months in the fall of 1839, and in the ensuing spring 
he took up his abode with the people as their spiritual 
teacher. There was no dwelling to be had near the centre, 
and he was obliged to live beyond the great Bigelow gulf, 
almost half way to Woodstock. The following is his lan- 
guage in reference to that circumstance: "For the privilege 
and duty of battling for the Lord Jesus, in Union, the min- 
ister took up his abode on the outskirts of the town three 
miles and a half southeast from the meeting-house. The 
Lord, however, gave him health, courage, and faith to labor 
so that neither storms of rain or snow hindered him from 
appearing in the courts of the Lord every Sabbath to break 
to the people the bread of life. During these two years he 
went from house to house (there were more than fifty fam- 
ilies to visit), and held weekly, evening meetings in the 
several districts, that all the people might receive a por- 
tion of divine truth in due season; though in going back 
and forth, he traveled ten or twelve miles when it was 
exceedingly dangerous, on account of the thick darkness in 
the woods and the glare ice which covered the hills." Once 
in going down one of those steep hills his horse slipped 
from under him, and beast and rider slid promiscuously and 
alarmingly a long distance down the hill. Sometimes the 
pastor and good Deacon Lawson, who lived in the neigh- 
borhood, would put a shovel in the sleigh, and start to- 
gether for the house of God. They were occasionally 
obliged to dig their way, but they always succeeded in 
reaching their destination, although they at times found 
few, if any, but themselves present in the sanctuary. The 
home of the pastor in those years, however, was pleasant. 
It was in the house of the Misses Sessions, Anna and Mary. 
The outlook was delightful, over the green billowy hills, 
and good families lived in the neighborhood. An extract 
from an article describing the aspect of the town as it 






^-w ^y 




Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss. 



BEV. 8. I. GURTISS, SB. i6i 

appeared to the young minister may be of interest to the 
reader. It was written by Mr. Curtiss thirty years or more 
afterwards. His words are given with only slight changes. 

" I came tip to Union from West Woodstock in August, 
1839. It was indeed a coming up, a gradual ascent all the 
way, until I reached the centre of the town. After I came 
within two miles of the centre, I entered the pine forests, 
and there was nothing else to be seen beyond until I 
reached the old tavern-stand on the hill. The sun was 
scarcely permitted to shine on one all the way. It was 
cool and refreshing in the warmth of summer, to be 
under the cooling shade of these massive pines, chestnuts 
and oaks. When I came into these noble forests I was 
upon the top of a high hill. The descent was gradual, but 
rather steep, until I came to a saw-mill in the ravine, owned 
and operated by the Crawfords. In this ravine, for miles 
on either side of the way, was a forest of as fine timber as 
grows anywhere. From the saw-mill I began to ascend 
what would be called a mountain in Scripture. After the 
first steep ascent there was a fine range of table land, with 
a few acres cleared up, and a farm-house nestling among 
the trees, which gave pleasure to the eyes from its rarity 
and the neatness of its surroundings. Then, here I began to 
ascend another mountain, hemmed in on either side by 
lofty trees, till I came to the old tavern-stand, and here I 
stood upon the peak of the first range of hills, for there 
were more and higher to come. On this peak years ago, 
one might have looked to the north, and south, and east, 
and west, before, and behind, up and down, and forests 
would have been the principal objects to meet the eye. 
But within thirty years the woodman's axe has thinned 
out these forests and made many and large openings in the 
valleys and on the hill-tops." 

As to the moral and spiritual outlook in those times, the 
minister in his later years wrote: "The church was small 
and the members comparatively poor. There were eight 
male members, four of whom were quite advanced in life. 
Deacon Horton was nearly eighty and blind. Intoxicat- 
II 



1 62 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ing- liquors were sold to all who would drink, and some of 
the more wealthy drank freely. The church had become 
discouraged. They could raise but a small sum themselves, 
and could get but little from outside to sustain the g-ospel 
from year to year." The young pastor, however, "put a 
cheerful courage on." The next year after coming, he 
preached an historical sermon from the text Ps. xvi. 6 — 
^'The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I 
have a goodly heritage;" in which he proved that the text 
would apply to the people in Union. Things began to take 
on a more favorable aspect; the congregations were increas- 
ing and the Sunday school, which numbered only sixteen 
when the pastor came, was thriving under his efficient 
management. A good dwelling for the minister had also 
been rented near by the meeting- house; and the beginning 
of March, 1842, found pastor and people full of courage, 
and with bright prospects for the future. Then came a 
most sudden calamity and distress. The story is thus told 
by the pastor himself. " The 25th (of March, 1842), was a 
day long to be remembered as one of sore bereavements. 
It was the annual fast day. It was misty and dark; but in 
our home it was bright and cheerful till about three or 
four o'clock. There were several inches of snow on the 
ground. My wife was never more cheerful and hopeful, in 
respect to the work to be done in the future service of the 
Master. I had never seen the children so happy in each 
other, so united and full of life and joy in their play 
together. Toward the close of the day I led my horse to 
the watering place, and while there, chains of lightning 
ran in several directions near the ground. Seeing this 
play of lightning I hastened in as soon as possible, and 
took a seat in the L part of the house, near the door which 
opened into the dining room (a room in the main building). 
In a moment after, there came a vivid flash while the chil- 
dren were standing by the window, when Ann, (his daugh- 
ter of eight years), turned and came to me and said, "Pa, 
I am afraid." I replied you need not be afraid, and she sat 
down close to my right side, and George (his son of five 



REV. S. I. CURTISS, SR. 163 

years), seated himself by my left side. My wife, at this 
instant, came in from another room with amazement 
depicted on her countenance, and sat down at a little dis- 
tance from us (to the right of Ann) in a rocking chair, say- 
ing not a word, but that look is as vivid to-day as the 
moment it met my eyes. It was but a look and I was 
blind, and deaf, and dumb, and senseless, until there 
seemed to come over me a great pressure, and I felt a 
crushing weight as though the house was falling on me, 
when I began to hear my little son bemoaning in a loud 
voice the death of his mother. Yet all was dark before me, 
till after repeated efforts, sight came to me, and oh! what a 
sight! I forbear to describe. Because the Lord did it, 
' I opened not my mouth,' but bowed to his will, and his 
^race was sufficient for me. She was the wife of my youth, 
the choice of my heart, one in whom I reposed entire con- 
fidence, and who was a faithful co-worker in the vineyard." 
Her maiden name was Rebecca Tuttle Hough. She was 
one of two daughters in a family of eight children, and was 
born at Wallingford, Conn., January 3, 1808. She was 
betrothed to her husband at the time that he decided to 
study for the ministry, and waited for him seven years, 
loyal and true. They were married October 3, 1832, a;nd 
had two children, Ann and George. Mrs. Curtiss, like 
Rebecca of old, was very fair to look upon, and is remem- 
bered with admiration and love by those who recall her to 
mind as once their teacher in the Sunday school. One of 
her brothers, the Rev. Lent S. Hough, was for many years 
a minister of the gospel, and served as pastor of several 
churches in the state of Connecticut. Her son George has 
also been a minister for nearly thirty years, and is now 
pastor of the Congregational church in Mayville, North 
Dakota. iShe was very familar with the Scriptures so that 
her husband said of her, "She could repeat, from memory, 
almost the entire Bible. She was about as good to me as 
a concordance. If I wanted to find a passage anywhere in 
the Bible and could give her a clause, or a word or two, she 
would give me the book, chapter and verse where it was 



164 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



to be found." January 30, 1843, Mr. Curtiss married Miss 
Eliza Ives, the granddaughter of Rev. Jesse Ives, once pas- 
tor of the church in Monson, Mass. She was born in that 
town, December 29, 1806. She was a woman of superior 
mind and fervent piety, a wise counselor, and an excellent 
manager in household affairs, a true and faithful woman in 
her family and in the church. She lived with her husband 
a little over twenty-two years, and was very closely iden- 
tified with him in his work at Union during that period. 
They had one son, Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss, D. D., now 
professor of Old Testament Literature in Chicago Theo- 
logical Seminary. Mrs. Curtiss died quite suddenly of 
apoplexy May 31, 1865. 

In the fall of 1842, Mr. Curtiss accepted the call of the 
people to become their pastor, and was installed April 12th, 
1843. The pastor lived for about six years in the house 
rented from Mr. Merrick Marcy and then purchased a 
place for his own. "In 1848 I bought the Rev. Wyman 
house and a part of the farm which was given him by the 
town as his settlement. The house was a hundred years 
old. There was a large mulberry tree near the house 
which bore the largest, juciest, and best mulberries that I 
ever ate." There is a tradition that Rev. Mr. Wyman 
planted the seed from which that tree came. Some one 
gave each member of the ministerial association to which 
Mr. Wyman belonged, a thimbleful of black mulberry 
seeds from the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and that 
particular tree was the only one that lived from the thim- 
bleful of seed that Mr. Wyman planted. The ancient 
house was patched up and made to answer for a home till 
November, 1854, when the minister moved into a new 
house, which he had built across the way from the old one, 
and which is now owned by the Society as a parsonage. 
This investment proved a profitable one, it furnished a 
home for the minister, and the increase in value of the 
timber on the place materially added to the income of its 
owner. A little more than a year after the death of his 
second wife, Mr. Curtiss married, June 15, 1866, Mrs. D. H. 



REV. 8. I. CURTIS8, SB. 165 

G. Curtiss, formerly of Greenwich, Mass. Her maiden 
name was Newton. She was born at Paxton, Mass., Dec. 
5, 1805. Her husband said of her, "Her father died when 
she was a babe, her mother when she was quite young. 
Her mother was a minister's daughter, her grandfather 
was a minister, and," at an advanced age, " took their infant 
granddaughter to train for Christ. Her grandmother was 
a minister's daughter. Her first husband was a minister, 
and she had two uncles that were rfiinisters. She has been 
a successful teacher in the Sabbath School, and, in her 
younger days, had a large class of young girls, who 
through her faithfulness, under God, were all brought into 
the fold of Christ, and some of them became minister's 
wives." She was indeed a choice woman, full of faith and 
good works. Her two daughters, by her first husband, 
were in the pastor's family in Union, and aided materially 
in the work of the church. She survived her husband 
about a year and a half, and died at Nunda, N. Y., where 
her daughter and husband, the Rev. N. H. Bell, resided. 

Mr. Curtiss continued his active ministry till January, 
1875, a period of thirty-five years. He still lived among 
the people as pastor emeritus for several years longer, till 
after a long illness, he died, of Bright's disease, March 26, 
1880. 

He was a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus, clear 
and strong in his convictions, fixed in purpose, and unflinch- 
ing in the discharge of what he thought to be his duty. 
He was a man of vigorous constitution, of great energy 
and activity. He had a very great reverence for God and 
sacred things and was of a very deep emotional nature. 
His heart was always very tender and responsive to divine 
truth, both when he preached the word himself or heard it 
from the lips of others. He was of a very practical turn 
of mind, and entered heartily into all reformatory move- 
ments that he thought would benefit his fellow men. The 
history of the church in Union is very closely interwoven 
with the story of his life and the success of his ministry as 
evinced by the prosperity of that church during the years 



1 66 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of his pastorate is the best tribute to his worth. When he 
left the work to his successor such had been the financial 
gain that he said at that time the church could raise $500 
for the support of the gospel more easily than it could raise 
$175 when he came to town. 

He was blessed with remarkably good health. He 
hardly ever took a vacation and was absent from home, 
except on exchange, very few times during all his minis- 
try. Beside preaching twice on the Sabbath he frequently 
held a third service at one of the five school-houses outside 
the centre at five o'clock in the summer and at "early can- 
dle lighting" in the winter, beside meetings at private 
houses. The weekly prayer-meeting was sustained during 
all those years, and often held at the pastor's house. For 
many years he was acting school visitor and was greatly 
interested in all educational efforts for the good of the 
young people in town. He was very efficient in theearly 
days of his pastorate, in encouraging singing schools for the 
benefit of the service of song in the sanctuary. He was wide 
awake to the cause of missions at home and abroad. In order 
to have a home he purchased a hou.se with one hundred and 
thirty acres Of land mostly overgrown with bushes and 
timber, but with sufficient arable land to support a horse 
and cow, and to produce a good supply of vegetables for 
the table. In the management of this place he showed 
enterprise, energy and stimulated others to do likewise. 
His memory is blessed, and his "works do follow him." 

REV. GEORGE CURTISS. 

Rev. George Curtiss, the son of Rev. Samuel Ives and 
Rebecca Tuttle Curtiss, was born at East H ampton, in the 
town of Chatham, Conn., January 5, 1837. His parents 
removed to Union when he was three years old. There he 
spent his childhood and 3^outh, and fitted for college. He 
was graduated from Amherst college in i860. He was 
obliged to struggle on during his college course to obtain 
means to complete his education. He was for two years 
in the Theological Institute of Connecticut, now the Hart- 



f^ 



m 



<"f, 




Rev. George Curtiss. 



REV. GEORGE CURTISS. 167 

ford Theological Seminary. In 1863 he graduated from 
Andover Theological S.eminary. He commenced preaching 
for a few weeks at Oxford, Mass., and afterwards supplied 
at Pepperell, Mass., for six months. After preaching in 
Bristol, R. I., four months, he began to minister to the Con- 
gregational church in East Avon in Nov. 1864. He was 
ordained Dec. 28, 1865, and installed pastor of the church 
at East Avon, June 26, 1866. He was dismissed Sept. 15, 
1868. He was installed pastor of the Congregational 
church at Harwinton, Conn., June 30, 1869, and continued 
there eight years. In 1872 he was elected to the Connecti- 
cut HouSe of Representatives from Harwinton. 

He was dismissed from the church in Harwinton, May 
21, 1877, and resided for a year in Amherst, Mass. In the 
spring of 1878, he removed to Union and ministered to the 
church here for about three years. In his sermon at the 
150th anniversary of the formation of the church, he uses 
the following language with reference to his ministry here: 
"In the spring of 1878 the Providence of God led me 
hither, and at your request I endeavored to break to you 
the bread of life for about the space of three years. I 
was glad to serve you, ^d 3^ou seemed glad to have me, 
and the Lord blessed us both. It was a bright spot in 
life on many accounts, though sickness and death cast at 
times heavy shadows. It was a pleasure to address you, 
to minister at the table of our Lord at times together with 
the venerable and loved spiritual guide who had led us so 
long. It was a privilege to go with him as far as possible 
down into the dark valley and see him safely through this 
mortal strife. I parted from you with regret. It is pleas- 
ant to be with you to-day, and celebrate that church life 
which for a long period we shared in common. Jan. 5, 
1 85 1, on my birth -day, with a number of others, I entered 
into covenant with this church to serve the living God. 
' High Heaven that heard the solemn vow. 

That vow renewed shall daily hear 
Till in life's latest hour I bow. 

And bless in death a bond so dear.' " 



i68 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

The pleasure he felt in being- with the church was 
reciprocated. His genial and affable nature made him 
loved and esteemed by all those who knew him. The 
church at Union was sorry when he received a call which 
he accepted, to the Wethersfield Avenue Congregational 
church at Hartford. He began ministering to it in May, 
1881, and continued there till 1889. On Jan. i, 1890, he 
commenced work as pastor of the Congregational church 
at Mayville, North Dakota, and was installed pastor in 
September, of that year. 

There have been few persons into whose lot has fallen 
so much family bereavement as in that of Mr. Curtiss. 
When he was five years old his good mother and elder sis- 
ter were stricken down by a stroke of lightning. Elvira 
Corbin, the wife of his youth, and mother of four of his 
children, died at Harwinton, April 17, 1875. She was a 
very estimable woman, greatly beloved in all the places 
where she lived. The next year their son George C. followed 
his mother. (For dates see the genealogy). Tn 1877, Mr. 
Curtiss married again, but his wife survived only a little 
over three months, dying at Amherst, June 27th, three days 
after the death of his youngest son John. The next year 
the bereaved father and his two remaining children came 
to Union. While there his father died. He married a 
third time in 1880, Miss Martha A. Blakely of Bristol, Conn. 
They had one child who died within a year. While Mr. 
Curtiss was preaching the anniversary sermon at Union, 
Dec. 13th, 1888, his wife lay on her death-bed, and died on 
Dec. 24th. And hence his life has been filled with far more 
than the usual amount of sorrow and affliction. But it has 
doubtless developed in him such a character that he is able 
far better to sympathize with his fellow-men and make his 
life one of great usefulness in the Gospel ministry. 

REV. SAMUEL IVES CURTISS, PH. D., D. D., PROFESSOR OF OLD 
TESTAMENT LITERATURE IN THE CHICAGO 
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 

Among the natives of Union, of whom the town may 
well be proud, is Prof. S. I. Curtiss, of Chicago. He has 




PROF. SAMUEL I. CURTISS, PH. D., D.D. 



PROF. S. I. CURTISS. 169 

gone forth from these Union hills to become a great 
Hebrew scholar, and one of the prominent theological 
instructors of the country. 

He was born in Union, February 5th, 1844, being the 
son of Rev. Samuel I. Curtiss and Eliza Ives Curtiss. His 
mother was a granddaughter of Rev. Jesse Ives, a Congre- 
gational minister, who served the church at Monson, Mass., 
for thirty-two years. 

The subject of this sketch was hindered in his early 
studies by poor health, but neither this circumstance nor 
the fact that he was largely dependent on himself for his 
support prevented his preparing for college. He did this 
at Monson Academy, Mass., where he graduated with the 
highest honor. His college course at Amherst, begun in 
1862, was interrupted by illness, and he was obliged to drop 
his studies for a year. This time of enforced absence from 
college was spent in part in securing money to repair his 
father's church in Union. He visited Hartford, New 
Haven, New London and other places, interested people 
in the church at Union and secured their subscriptions for 
its repair. In this work he was eminently successful, mani- 
festing a talent which in later years has rendered good ser- 
vice to the cause of City Missions in Chicago, and to the 
Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Young Curtiss completed his college course in 1867, with 
honor. While ranking high as a student in college, he was 
also among the most active in Christian work. And he 
seems to have been successful in this, for he had a tempt- 
ing offer to leave college and go into city missionary work. 
The year of graduation from Amherst was also the year of 
entering the Union Theological Seminary at New York. 
A tutorship in the family of Dr. John Hall led to his taking 
charge of the Alexander chapel in the vacation between 
Middle and Senior years. He continued this missionary 
work during the last year of his Seminary course and the 
two succeeding years. He entered with his whole heart 
into this work and felt at the time that he had found his 
calling. On May loth, 1870, he married Mrs. Laura W. 



lyo 



BIOGBAPEICAL SKETCHES. 



Sessions, widow of Jared D. Sessions. After two years, in 
1872, he went abroad for further theological study. He 
went to Leipzig, where he remained till 1878. His location 
in Leipzig after he had visited various German universities 
was due to the attraction of Prof. Delitzsch, one of the 
greatest of the German Old Testament scholars. From 
the first Prof. Delitzsch showed him much kindness. He 
not only directed his studies, but also gave him private 
instruction amounting to three or four hours a week. It 
was rare good fortune to be permitted to work with him 
year after year. 

The work of Mr. Curtiss in Leipzig was characteristic 
of the man. While stud3'ing the Semitic languages with 
enthusiasm, under the great German professors, he was 
also actively engaged in behalf of the spiritual welfare of 
the English-speaking community at Leipzig. He inaug- 
urated weekly prayer-meetings, which were held in his 
rooms, and also founded the American chapel. 

He took the degree of Ph. D., in 1876. He remained yet 
two 3'ears in Leipzig, engaged in literary work. He pub- 
lished several works on Old Testament subjects. 

In 1878, Dr. Curtiss was called to the chair of Biblical 
Literature in Chicago Theological Seminary, to succeed 
Prof. S. C. Bartlett, who had accepted a call to the presi- 
dency of Dartmouth College. Before leaving Germany he 
was granted the honorary degree of Licentiate of Theology 
by the Berlin University. 

Dr. Curtiss came to Chicago with the purpose to advance 
the study of Semitic languages, more especially the study 
of Hebrew. From the beginning of his professorship, he 
has stimulated young men to prepare for advanced work 
in the Seminary by mastering the elements of Hebrew 
before entering the Seminary. He has always given freely 
of his time to enable candidates to accomplish this desir- 
able end. He also established prizes for those who passed 
the best entrance examinations in Hebrew. 

In addition to his work as an instructor in the Seminary, 
Prof. Curtiss has written on various topics. In 1880, he pub- 



PROF. S. I. CUBTISS. 171 

lished a popular refutation of Ingersoll's " The Mistakes of 
Moses," also a translation of Delitzsch's Messianic Proph- 
ecies. In 1881, he published a monograph on "The Date 
of our Gospels in the Light of the Latest Criticism," and 
a translation of Delitzsch's Old Testament History of 
Redemption. In 1883, with two of his colleagues he helped 
to found the annual entitled Current Discussions in Theology. 
To this he has contributed the article on Old Testament 
Theology for seven years. In 1888-1889, he prepared man- 
uals for his students on Old Testament Introduction, Old 
Testament Theology, the Major Prophets and the Old Tes- 
tament History of Redemption. In 1891, he published a 
memorial volume on Franz Delitzsch, and a new edition 
of Delitzch's Messianic Prophecies. 

Professor Curtiss has had an important part in Chicago 
city missionary work. By preaching in missionary chapels 
and visiting from house to house, often accompanied by a 
student, he has built up several self-supporting churches. 
He has been a director, vice-president and president of the 
Chicago City Missionary Society. The office of president 
he has held since 1888. 

Professor Curtiss has twice been called to a professorship 
in the Andover Theological Seminary, but has declined the 
call, preferring his work in Chicago. 

With regard to theological views, Professor Curtiss is 
at once progressive and conservative. He accepts the 
results of the higher criticism as soon as they are sup- 
ported by sufficient evidence to warrant their acceptance. 
The inspiration of the Old Testament writings does not 
depend for him upon the vindication of their traditional 
authorship. He does not regard the Pentateuch as the 
work of Moses, but as made up of different documents by 
unknown authors, excepting those passages which are 
explicitly ascribed to Moses. He agrees with the majority 
of critics that the second part of Isaiah is not the work of 
that prophet, but originated much later. He has a firm 
belief in the inspiration of the Bible, and believes that, 
though there inay be errors in details, it is the infallible 



172 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



rule of faith and practice. His influence for good in train- 
ing young men for efficient service in promoting the cause 
of Christ, and in impressing upon them his own earnest 
and devout spirit, is inestimable. 

CAPTAIN CHAUNCEY PAUL. 

There is no name perhaps more closely connected with 
the history of Union, than that of Captain Chauncey Paul, 
who spent his long life of 90 years entirely in town. He 
was born in Union, Feb. loth, 1798. He received his edu- 
cation from the district schools of town, supplemented by 
his wide reading. He had a taste for law and in his fre- 
quent connection with the courts acquired an extensive 
and thorough knowledge of legal matters. He served as 
deputy sheriff for a number of years, and his business 
required him to spend a large part of his time away from 
home. In his younger years he was captain of a company 
of cavalry from Union, and the neighboring towns. He 
ever afterwards went by the name of " Captain," or "Cap'n " 
Paul. In early life, like his military associates (and in fact 
like nearly every one in those days), he was of convivial 
habits. But about the time of the temperance reform, upon 
seeing on one occasion, a friend, overcome by drink, forci- 
bly ejected from the place where he had been made drunk, 
he indignantly vowed to drink no more. He signed the 
pledge and turned squarely round and was ever afterwards 
a staunch advocate of temperance. He was foremost in 
the temperance reform in town, and with Rev. Mr. Curtiss 
and others, held meetings in every school-house, for the 
purpose of getting people to take the pledge. He delivered 
lectures on temperance in the vicinity for several years. 
Up to the time that he signed the pledge, he had been a 
democrat. He was told by a party leader that if he per- 
sisted in keeping his pledge he should never hold office in 
Union again. This terrible threat was too much for a boon 
companion who recanted, but the captain when telling the 
incident afterwards would say, " I told them that they had 
played their best trump, but I would take the trick." His 




Capt. Chauncey Paul. 




Mrs. Chauncey Paul. 



CAPTAIN CHAUNGEY PAUL. 



17: 



later life commanded the more respect and he lived to 
hold every important office which his townsmen could give 
him. He was strong in his convictions, and always out- 
spoken. He hated rum and slavery, and was never back- 
ward about expressing this. He joined the republican 
party at its organization, and was a staunch republican the 
rest of his life. He was often a judge of the probate court 
for the district of Stafford and Union. He was town clerk 
from 1842 to 1845, selectman in 1848, and representative in 
the Legislature in the years 1862, 1868 and 1869. He was 
a careful and judicious legislator and impressed his per- 
sonality strongly on those who were members of the legis- 
lature during those years. When Governor Buckingham 
was chosen U. S. Senator, there had been some discussion 
whether to elect General Hawley or Governor Buckingham 
to that office. Captain Paul arose and said in substance, 
" General Hawley is still young. He can afford to wait. 
Governor Buckingham deserves this honor for the service 
he has rendered. We will elect /«>«." This won over a 
number of votes and Governor Buckingham was elected. 
The Captain was always in favor of the business of the 
legislature moving along promptly. He opposed dallying 
and delay. He used to move the previous question so 
frequently that he came to be called by some "Old Previ- 
ous Question." Had he had the advantage of a liberal edu- 
cation he would have been a still greater power throughout 
the state. He was a safe counselor. He administered 
upon many estates, and the poor in need of advice went to 
him and always got it. Widows with encumbered estates 
to settle, soldiers entitled to pensions, neighbors in fear of 
or engaged in litigation, all found in him a sympathetic 
and wise adviser, always willing to give time to hearing 
and counseling, without price. When disqualified by age 
from serving as justice of the peace, he was made a com- 
missioner of the superior court, and annually re-appointed, 
holding at the time of his death, a commission signed by 
Governor Lounsbury. For over half a century he was a 
director of the Tolland County Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company. 



174 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

He was a firm believer in an overruling Providence, but 
was not a member of any church. His influence was 
always in favor of the right, and he was much interested 
in building up the society in which he lived. He was 
looked up to as a man of firm convictions and integrity of 
purpose, and he was a helper in every good work. He died 
June i8th, 1888, at the age of 90. 

HARVEY WALKER. 

Harvey Walker was the son of Timothy Walker, of Ash- 
ford. He came to Union about 1827, and commenced work 
in the store which Moses White had started at Mashapaug. 
He thus became established in business. This he enlarged 
after a few years by beginning to manufacture boots and 
shoes. About 1836, he formed a partnership with Mr. Jud- 
son vSmith, which was continued till 1841. During his sub- 
sec|uent career he was associated in business with a number 
of different persons. (See the Industrial History). And 
it may be said as indicating the ability and honesty of the 
man, that he never had a partner who failed to be benefited 
by his connection with him. He started poor, but by dili- 
gent work, persistent energy and strict integrity, won well 
deserved success in his business, and rose to a position of 
comparative wealth. He was thorough in whatever he 
undertook to do. He not only looked after every detail of 
his store and manufacturing business, but he was a good 
farmer as well. Rev. S. I. Curtiss, his pastor, said of him: 
" Mr. Harvey Walker was always in his seat on the Sab- 
bath, when he was at home. As a business man he knew 
just where he stood, and met promptly and honorably all 
his liabilities, and thereby had the confidence of the com- 
munity and of business men. Upon this method of doing 
business, he accumulated from comparative poverty a large 
estate." 

At the time of his death he was a partner in four 
different concerns, viz.: Walker, Corbin & Tourtelotte, at 
Mashapaug; Sessions, Carpenter & Co., of Toronto, Canada; 
Bates, King & Co., of Fiskdale, Mass., and Sessions, Tob}^ 
& Co., tanners of sole leather, in Canada. 




Harvey Walker. 



HANNAE MOORE. > 175 

He was married to Miss Julia Ann White, daughter of 
Moses White, May i6th, 1833. They had six children, four 
of whom lived to grow up to maturity. In his family, he 
was kind and alfectionate. He was a true Christian man, 
and a generous supporter of the church at Union. He died 
suddenly of malignant pustule, March 4th, i860, aged 52. 
Mrs. Julia Walker, his wife, was a most estimable lady. 
She was thoroughly devoted to the interests of the church, 
and after her husband's death, took a leading part in secur- 
ing the repair of the meeting-house, giving liberally her- 
self and encouraging others to the work. After leaving 
town to reside with her children, she still continued to 
give freely of her means to help support the preaching of 
the gospel in Union. She died Dec. 13, 1891, while with 
her daughter Laura, the wife of Prof. S. I. Curtiss, D. D., 
at Chicago. 

Mrs. Walker manifested her interest in the church at 
Union, by leaving a legacy of five hundred dollars, the 
income of which was to go to support preaching at the 
Congregational church. 

HANNAH MOORE, 

the daughter of Samuel and Amy Whiton Moore, was born 
in Union, Nov. 22, 1808. She joined the Congregational 
church at Union, Sept. 6, 1829, where she continued her 
membership till Jan. 1842, when she was dismissed to join 
the church in Dwight, Cherokee nation. She went thither 
from New York city, April 28, 1841, and continued there as 
teacher till Jan., 1846, when she was transferred to Mt. 
Pleasant, Choctaw nation, but left a few months later. vShe 
was a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions among these tribes. She afterwards 
went to West Africa as a missionary, where she labored for 
ten years. She frequently sent letters describing her inis- 
sionary work, to the church at Union, in which she took a 
warm interest. She died at Leland, Mich., March 2, 1868, 
aged 59. She was a woman of ^reat ability, and of a noble 
and devoted Christian character. 



176 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ■ 

MRS. CALISTA HOLMAN VINTON. 

It is with great pleasure that we record the life of one 
who went from Union to the distant land of Burmah, there 
on the opposite side of the globe, to toil for the salvation 
and elevation of the down-trodden Karen people. Union 
may well be proud to be the birthplace of one whose strong 
influence for good was felt so far away. 

Calista Holman, daughter of Thomas and Lavinia Hol- 
man, was born April 19, 1807, at the house south of the east 
school-house. When she was in her sixteenth year she had 
a severe illness which lasted two years. During this pain- 
ful experience she was converted and became wholly sub- 
missive to the will of God. She desired baptism and was 
baptized in March, 1822, in the brook by the roadside, east 
of the Putnam place. It was then supposed that she would 
never recover but was near her end. She was taken to the 
house where Squire Luther Crawford then lived, and 
received into the Baptist church at West Woodstock. Elder 
Grow, the pastor, in administering the Lord's Supper to 
her, said: "This is our sister's first communion, and it will 
probably be her last. We now receive her into the church 
militant. She will soon be in the church triumphant." 
But so far from being about to enter the church triumph- 
ant, she had thirty years of Christian warfare before her. 
The frail girl of eighteen, whose baptism was looked on as 
the last important act of her life, was destined to cross the 
ocean and for thirty years endure hardships, and perform 
an amount of labor which would have broken down an 
ordinary constitution. 

Her recovery dated from her baptism. She became 
restored to health and began to think that her life was 
given to her for some noble purpose. After much prayer 
and self-examination she resolved to devote herself to the 
work of foreign missions. She was thrown upon her own 
resources for the completion of her education, and that 
special training necessary to fit her for the work of her 
life. By teaching and studying alternately she obtained, 
however, an education far in advance of that attained by 



MMS. GALISTA H. VINTON. 177 

most women of that day. She studied with the pastor at 
West Woodstock, where she became acquainted with Justus 
H. Vinton of Willington. He studied at the Hamilton 
Literary and Theological Institute (now Colgate Univer- 
sity). Mr. Vinton and Miss Holman were married April 9, 
1834. They had already chosen Burmah as the field of 
their future labor, and had spent a 3'ear together at Hamil- 
ton, studying Karen with a native, Ko-chet-thaing, who 
had come with Rev. Mr. Wade. They sailed in July, 1834, 
for Burmah, in company with other missionaries. Their 
devoted character is shown by the fact that on the passage, 
they engaged in earnest and successful labor for the salva- 
tion of the crew. They landed in Maulmain in December, 
1834, after a long passage of five inonths. They very soon 
began work, traveling through the jungles and preaching 
in the Karen villages. They went separately in order to 
reach more people. Their lives were those of great activ- 
ity and intense devotion to the work of preaching the 
Gospel. They visited America in 1848, after fourteen years' 
absence, and made addresses in many places, arousing 
great missionary enthusiasm. They returned to Burmah, 
in 1850. In 1852 the war between the English and the 
Burmese broke out. The down-trodden Karens who looked 
for deliverance to the English, were very cruelly treated 
by the Burmese during the war. The Vintons had previ- 
ously worked in Maulmain and its vicinity. But now their 
services were so greatly needed in looking after the perse- 
cuted Christian Karens of Rangoon, that they changed 
their field of labor to that city. After the war closed by 
the triumph of the English, their mission station was 
established at Kemmendine, a short distance out of Ran- 
goon. Here Mrs. Vinton taught a large High School, with 
great ability and success. Mr. Vinton died March 31, 
1858. After his death the responsibility of looking after 
and guiding the infant churches devolved largely on Mrs. 
Vinton. In 1859 she was joined by her daughter Calista, 
who had been getting her education at Suftield, Conn. In 
1861, her son Brainerd finished his course at Madison Uni- 



1^8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

versity, married Julia A. Haswell, and returned to Burmah. 
The taxing labors which had devolved on Mrs. Vinton, had 
so broken down her health that in 1862 it became necessary 
for her to return to America. She came by way of Eng- 
land, where she found many friends who had known of her 
work in Burmah. While in America she was called tipon 
to make many missionary addresses, and allowed herself 
little rest. She not only spoke in many places in New 
England and the Middle States, but made a trip through 
Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and portions of Canada. The 
effect of her earnest words on the communities and 
churches was thrilling. Enthusiasm was everywhere 
aroused, and the missionary spirit quickened in many 
places where it had almost ceased to exist. Hearts were 
touched by the simple appeals of that gray-haired, widowed 
missionary, who, having spent 3^ears of toil and privation 
among the heathen, was about to return to them in all the 
freshness of her sanctified zeal for God, there to finish her 
toil and thence to ascend to her reward. Her friends would 
gladly have had her remain longer in this country. But 
her heart was in Burmah, and in December, 1863, she sailed 
for England and thence by the "Overland Route," {via 
Egypt and the Red Sea), to Calcutta and Rangoon, arriving 
in March, 1864. She engaged in the work of the mission 
with great hopefulness. But it soon became evident that 
the old disease had not been eradicated from her system 
by her brief visit to America. On Dec. 6, of the same year, 
her daughter with her husband. Rev. R. M. Luther, arrived. 
Her health steadily declined, and she died Dec. 18, 1864. 

It has been said of her and her husband, "Seldom, if 
ever, has there been an instance where a missionary and 
his wife were both so eminently qualified for the work and 
so eminently successful, as Justus Hatch Vinton and 
Calista Holman Vinton. To an uncommon strength of 
mind there was added in each a deep piety and a strong 
and ardent faith. They entered upon the work purposing 
to make great sacrifices and expecting through the Divine 
assistance to have many souls for their hire, and in these 



BEV. THOMAS HOLMAN. 



179 



expectations they were not disappointed." Their son, Dr. 
J. B. Vinton, continued their work till his death, June 23, 
1887. He was a man of remarkable abilit}^ and did a 
great work. Mr. and Mrs. Luther remained there till 1872 
when he took the jungle fever, and they were obliged to 
return to America. He was afterwards unable to return 
but became district secretary of the Baptist Missionary 
Union, and now has a pastorate at Newark, N. J. Mrs. 
Luther is a practicing physician. 

REV. THOMAS HOLMAN, 

the youngest son of Thomas and Lavinia Howard Holman, 
was born in Union, July 15, 18 12. His mother was a noble 
Christian woman who trained her children to habits of 
industry and in the fear of God. He was converted and 
joined the church at N. Ashford, when seventeen years of 
age. In early life he evinced a strong desire to obtain an 
education. By teaching and self-denial he was enabled to 
enter Madison University, now Colgate, at Hamilton, N. Y., 
in 1833, from which he graduated in 1838. He also studied 
theology there, finishing the course in 1840, although his 
health was frail during his student life. He was ordained 
September 10, 1840, at Southbridge, Mass., and designated 
to preach the gospel in destitute portions of the West. 
The same year, in company with his brother-in-law and 
sister, Rev. Rodolphus and Minerva H. Weston, he went to 
Illinois, and located ?it Carthage, Hancock county. Here 
he engaged in preaching and teaching. In 1845, he returned 
to Connecticut, and was married. August 6, 1846, to Maria 
Louisa Crawford, daughter of Charles Crawford. They 
went West that same year and settled in Bloomington, 111., 
where he preached two years, until failing health compelled 
him to return East. He preached at Tolland, Conn., for a 
time, then at Stafford for five years, where he was very 
successful and greatly beloved. He next preached at West 
Woodstock for two years. In 1854, he went to Rockford, 
111., and soon after to Beloit, Wis., where he labored five 
years both in the church and for the cause of education as 



i8o BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

superintendent of schools. Later he preached at Darling- 
ton, Madison, and Oshkosh, Wis., at which last place he 
labored from 1866 to 1870. From this time to his death 
poor health prevented him from taking a regular pastorate, 
although he preached more or less in the vicinity of Rock- 
ford, where he resided. He made a visit East in 1882, and 
died October 4, 1883. 

His was a life of toil and sacrifice, the compensation 
paid by the pioneer churches being meagre, but one of use- 
fulness and consecrated devotion to the work of the Chris- 
tian ministry. His wife and daughter reside in Rockford. 
The latter is a teacher of music and painting. 

MOSES G. LEONARD, 

son of Daniel, Sr., worked on his father's farm and attended 
the district school till he was seventeen years of age, when 
he began the profession of teaching. He taught first in 
Vermont, then in Woodstock, and afterwards in Rockland 
Co., N. Y., for four years. There he married Catherine 
Barmore. He then moved to New York city, and after 
teaching two years engaged in mercantile pursuits. From 
1840 to 1850, he took an active part in the political affairs 
of his city and state, being alderman, and for three years 
sole commissioner of charities and prisons. In 1842, he 
was elected Representative in the Twenty-seventh Con- 
gress of the United States. In 1849, he was commissioned 
to take charge of mercantile and mining operations in Cali- 
fornia. For nineteen years he conducted a farm in Rock- 
land Co., N. Y. During his mercantile life he was prom- 
inent in organizing and building up the Knickerbocker 
and Washington Ice Companies. Of the former, he was 
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and of the latter, 
president, until his retirement from btisiness in 1873. He 
is still living in Brooklyn, N. Y. He has had seven children. 

JARED D. SESSIONS. 

Among those men who have gone forth from Union to 
achieve that eminent success which the qualities of steady 




Jared D. Sessions. 



JARED D. SESSIONS. i8i 

industry, untiring energy and practical sagacity are sure 
to bring, stands the name of Jared Dana Sessions. 

Starting in life amidst narrow and unpromising circum- 
stances, with all the early influences of education, experi- 
ence, opportunity and fortune positively against him, strug- 
gling at first against difficulties insurmountable to less 
determined men, never attempting anything but a strictly 
legitimate business, and dying while 3^et in the prime of 
manhood, he has left behind him, as a monument of his 
perfect success, a munificent fortune, and a. reputation 
enviable not only for those peculiar qualities that insure 
success in business, but for those other qualities of ster- 
ling integrity, general good sense, gentle deportment and 
genial feeling, that mark the conscientious man and the 
true gentleman. 

Mr. Sessions was born December 27, 1820. He was the 
son of Abijah Sessions, who lived on the place south of 
where Thomas Rindge now lives. Here his son Jared 
passed his earlier life, working on his father's farm at 
times, yet, even here, taking the initial steps, and, in some 
sort, qualifying himself for the business undertakings 
that were to follow, for even at that early period New Eng- 
land was literally the shoe-shop of the country, and " bot- 
toming brogans " had become a favorite occupation on 
many of the secluded farms of Union. In this way he 
took his first lessons in the shoe business, working on the 
bench, and, acting on the maxim that he afterwards carried 
so successfully through his whole life, that "whatever was 
worth doing at all was worth doing well," he soon came to 
know not only all the points of a good shoe, but also to 
make one with his own hands. 

This accomplished, at the advanced age of twenty-four, 
he first started out to make the actual commencement of 
his business, and entered in a subordinate capacity, into 
the employ of Louis H. Bouton & Co., a shoe house in New 
York. Here he remained for about six months, working 
hard and picking up such scraps of experience as his 
limited opportunities permitted. At the expiration of 



i82 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

this period he returned to his native town, where, in the 
little village of Mashapaug, he entered into a partnership 
with the late Harvey Walker, then one of the lesser pio- • 
neer manufacturers of brogans and russets. This, the ' 
firm of Walker & Sessions, was the real starting- point and 
nucleus of all those extensive interests, with which he was 
subsequently connected. 

The business of Walker & Sessions, at first extremely 
limited, rapidly expanded and prospered under the new and 
united management, but not in proportion to the expand- 
ing experience and broadening views of Mr. Sessions, who 
soon helped to establish the firm of Sessions, Bates & Co., 
at Fiskdale, Mass., and this united field, before long, becom- 
ing in turn too limited for the plans of Mr. Sessions, the 
branch firm of Carpenter (S: Co., was, in 1855, established 
in Toronto, Canada, Mr. Vernon E. Carpenter taking the 
active management, and Sessions, Bates & Co., stocking 
the establishment. 

This experiment proving a success, though in a moder- 
ate way, and promising still better things, a reorganization 
was effected, and in 1856, Mr. Sessions removed to Toronto 
in person. Here his firm soon grew from its humble posi- 
tion into one of the largest, most influential and prosper- 
ous manufacturing and jobbing houses in Canada West. 
No one who went into partnership with Mr. Sessions failed 
to be materially prospered, in proportion to the extent of 
his connection with the business. 

While residing in Canada, Mr. Sessions engaged quite 
extensively in tanning; his first undertaking in that busi- 
ness being with Mr. D. B. Simpson, of Binghamton, N. Y., 
and his subsequent and more extended operations with Mr. 
Warren Toby, in the provinces. The same careful and 
energetic management in these new fields secured him the 
same marked success as in another department of the busi- 
ness. 

In the spring of 1862, Mr. vSessions established his resi- 
dence in the flourishing little city of Binghamton, N. Y. 
He had closed out his tanning business, but still retained 



JARED D. SESSIONS. 183 

his connection with the old firm in Toronto, and had pro- 
vided himself with an elegant home in Binghamton, with 
the intention of throwing off the harness of business and 
enjoying life more at leisure; but the working habits of 
the old business proved too strong for him, and he soon 
connected himself with Lester Brothers & Co., one of the 
earliest and most successful boot and shoe houses of that 
section. With this new infusion of capital and experience, 
■ the business of the firm— largely manufacturing — gradually 
grew from the moderate figures of seventy-five or a hundred 
thousand dollars a year, into more than four-fold propor- 
tions. He also connected himself with several other firms. 
Mr. Sessions afterwards went to Boston, and at the time of 
his death. May, 1868, was living in Maiden, Mass. 

The sudden decease of Mr. Sessions, while yet in the 
meridian of his days, with his experience still ripening, 
his powers all unimpaired, and his ambition contemplating 
still more extensive purposes in the future, cast a gloom on 
many a private circle, and took away a strong prop, that 
could ill be spared, from many a scattered business inter- 
est. His individual friends lost one whose many quiet 
virtues could be known only to themselves, and the great 
shoe and leather fraternity one who, in all his acts and 
aims, cherished and promoted its best interests. 

He never allowed his credit to become jeopardized by 
getting "cramped" or "hard up," but deliberately looking 
through each transaction to its legitimate result, always 
had some provision for every pressure and contingency. 
Notwithstanding his great amount of business he never 
allowed himself to be driven or hurried. With the most 
persistent and straightforward application, the most admir- 
able system and method, and an industry that never wearied 
— attempting but one thing at a time, and everything at its 
own proper time — he accomplished without apparent fric- 
tion or fatigue, an amount of labor that would appall most 
ordinary men. He made a fortune which at his death 
amounted to over $300,000, the largest ever made by a 
native of Union. 



1 84 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

A very pleasant trait of character was exhibited in his 
treatment of employes and subordinates. Always exact- 
ing what right required, yet never unreasonable; always 
decided, yet never abrupt; quick to discover delinquencies 
and needless short-comings, yet considerate and forbear- 
ing; always with a pleasant smile or kind greeting for the 
most humble, ready at all times to listen to grievances and 
rectify injustice; prompt to recognize the faithful and meri- 
torious, to comfort the distressed, and out of his own pri- 
vate pocket relieve the needy; seeming to take a personal 
interest in the welfare of each — and all this in such a 
simple and unostentatious way that he never failed to win 
the good-will and respect of all the hands in the establish- 
ment — he never left them but with their most general and 
sincere regret. 

But most prominent of all, perhaps, among those peculiar 
traits that distinguished Mr. Sessions from too raan)^ of our 
business men, was the considerate policy and uniform prac- 
tice of never attempting to build up his own interests at the 
ruin or expense of others. Acting upon the manly "live 
and let live " principle that there was room enough for all, 
and realizing that the true way to help one's self is often 
by helping others, but few men have done so much in the 
way of establishing new interests, building up new houses, 
and in various ways, by capital, by influence, b}^ experience 
or advice, assisting such among his acquaintances as he 
deemed worthy, to a favorable start in business. 

With all his partners and business colleagues, scattered 
in different sections of the country, and greatly differing 
in tastes, temperaments and business ideas, he always pre- 
served the most pleasant relations, and at the end of all, 
upon the final dissolution of all partnerships, to the sad 
funeral gathering at the Congregational church in West 
Woodstock, being suddenly summoned from their respec- 
tive avocations, they came by ones and twos from different 
points throughout the United States and Canada, to unite 
in paying the last sad tribute to their lamented partner, 
friend and benefactor. 




J. Maitland Griggs. 



JOSEPH M. GRIGGS. 185 

What sincerer compliment, what more fitting testi- 
monial or nobler monument to private virtue or business 
worth, than this spontaneous gathering of so many suc- 
cessful and honored businessmen! 

JOSEPH MAITLAND GRIGGS, 

the son of Joseph Cheney Griggs, was born in Union, Octo- 
ber 8, 1 8 16. The only school education which he received 
was derived in the common schools of his native town. 
In 1835, he went to Somers, Conn., and was employed there 
as clerk in a general store for six years. In September, 
1842, he entered the employ of the Boston and Albany Rail- 
road at vSpringfield, Mass., as clerk in the superintendent's 
office. After about a year in the office he was appointed 
ticket agent, and sold tickets in the depot at Springfield 
for about eight years. With the increase of traffic on the 
road Mr. Griggs found the duties of ticket seller too ex- 
acting for one man and resigned in the fall of 185 1. He 
was employed as book-keeper in the Phoenix bank of Hart- 
ford until the following spring. But he had shown himself 
to be such an honest, able and valuable man that he was 
soon recalled to the employ of the Boston and Albany road, 
being appointed in the spring of 1852, receiving clerk 
and ticket agent, and having charge of all the passenger 
earnings of the line. He continued in these duties till 1868, 
when he was relieved of the duties of receiver and made 
general ticket agent, the two offices being divided. In that 
year a complete reorganization of the ticket department was 
made by Mr. Griggs, and the system was then established 
which has been in vogue ever since. The tickets were 
printed in series varying from 200 to 10,000, according to 
the probable demand, and were numbered consecutively. 
By this method an agent can tell at a glance how many he 
has sold during the day, and the clerks who count the can- 
celled ones are aided in their work. Mr. Griggs also de- 
vised other points by which tickets were improved. His 
autograph was printed on all the tickets (instead of their 
being signed by the superintendent as at first), and thus 



1 86 BIOORAPHWAL SKETCHES. 

his name has become familiar to the public who travel over 
the road. He has become better known by name than by 
face, as few men have confined themselves more closely 
and methodically to office work than he. His position was 
a very important one, but in this as well as in all the others 
which he had previously held, he discharged his duties 
with entire satisfaction to all those interested in the man- 
agement of the road. In 1889, the main office of the road 
was transferred to Boston, and Mr. Griggs resigned his 
position and retired to private life. He now {1893), lives 
in his elegant home in Springfield, very much respected by 
all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is 
an example of a self-made man, who without the advan- 
tages of a wealthy parentage or a liberal education, rose 
to a high position of trust and responsibility, which he 
filled with entire satisfaction to the corporation and great 
credit to himself. 

Miss. SARAH A. PAUL. 

This energetic and talented woman was born September 
7th, 1834, and was the eighth child of Captain Chauncey 
Paul. She began her chosen occupation of teaching when 
she was fifteen years of age, in the Hall district, in vStaf- 
ford. She afterwards taught in three different districts in 
Sturbridge, three terms in succession in Woodstock V^al- 
ley, at North Ashford, and at the East district in Union. 
She taught several terms both at Mashapaug and at the 
Center, and also kept several select schools at the latter 
place. She was also an assistant teacher in a High School 
in Brooklyn, Conn. 

During the intervals of her teaching she improved her 
own education by attending the select schools in town, and 
the State Normal School at New Britain, for one term. 
She fitted at Monson Academy for Mount Holyoke Semi- 
nary. She was at the latter place three years, and would 
have graduated had not sickness and death prevented. 
While she was there one of the buildings of the vSeminary 
took fire. She exerted severely, herself with the other stu- 



r 




Miss. Sarah Paul. 



SARAS A. PAUL. 187 

dents, in extinguishing the flames. She took cold and never 
recovered, but after a long sickness died Feb. 14th, 1870. 

Her ability as a teacher is well shown by a report of the 
School Committee of Woodstock, concerning her school 
there. It said: 

''In many respects she was a superior teacher. No one 
visiting her school for half a day could doubt her ability 
as a teacher. Teaching is her employment, and we might 
almost say her meat and drink. Her standard is high, 
what would satisfy others does not satisfy her. She devo- 
ted to her school a wonderful amount of labor and strength 
hearing classes in the morning before school hours, during 
intermission and then again after school, sometimes till 
dark — then returning again to teach in the evening. She 
has the faculty of eliciting thought and keeping the mind 
constantly on the stretch. Her system and order were 
excellent. There was no resort to corporal punishment, the 
teacher's displeasure and sharp rebukes were punishment 
enough for most scholars. The acting visitors were enthu- 
siastic in praise of this teacher and one of them declared 
that for ability to arouse all the energies of a school and 
to secure intense application of mind she had no rival 
among all the other teachers he had ever known." 

Her energy and enthusiasm were shown in connection 
with the building of the new school-house at Mashapaug. 
She was "the ruling spirit behind the throne," and secured 
a unanimity and a heartiness among the people of the dis- 
trict, in regard to building the new house, which was 
highly creditable. She formed the plan of the house and 
had it so constructed as to be convenient, neat and pleasant 
to the eye. When the house was finished she gave the 
people no rest until the ground around was leveled and put 
into good shape. Through her especial efforts she estab- 
lished a valuable library. Among the substantial works 
for reference was the American Encyclopaedia. It was also 
through her influence that the district purchased a twenty- 
five dollar eight-day clock. After the house was completed 
she invited a gentleman connected with the Normal School 



1 88 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

at New Britain, to give a lecture on education in the new 
house. He came on the evening set apart for the occasion; 
Rev. Mr. Curtiss was also present, and there was a large 
audience. The new house was dedicated by prayer and 
other appropriate exercises, to the cause of education in 
the true import of the word, intellectual, moral and physi- 
cal. 

The following extracts are made from her funeral ser- 
mon which was preached by Rev. S. I. Curtiss: 

" In all her secular pursuits she aimed to glorify God. 
She so arranged and pursued them that she might increase 
her usefulness in the church and the world, and to her best 
ability fulfill the mission which Christ had given her to 
perform. She believed that her special mission was teach- 
ing, and to be a good and successful teacher, she must be 
as highly qualified in her mental and moral powers as pos- 
sible, and for the accomplishment of this object purposed 
in her heart t<3 obtain a liberal education in the Female 
Seminary at South Hadley. ***** g^t; her pur- 
pose was made in faith and love to God and His cause and 
she went forward step by step, as fast as the way opened, 
and the way did open, until she finished her education. 
But she toiled in the school-room year after year, securing 
her power and popularity as a teacher, that she might do 
good to those committed to her charge. Though she 
valued money as the means to the accomplishment of the 
noble purpose of her soul, yet she loved to teach and had 
rather do it than not. She had an enthusiasm in it. * * 

* * * She stood firm for the right everywhere. In 
carrying out her plans to promote the well-being of the 
community, she was energetic, persistent, and persevering, 
until the work she had in hand was accomplished. * * * 

* * To the unthinking, the remote circumstances con- 
nected with her death inay seem imprudent, if not rash. 
But here is an instance in which she forgot herself in doing 
good to others. The interests of the Seminary and all that 
was connected with it, filled her mind, and nerved her with 
almost supernatural strength until the great burden of her 



'SS^^^^^:^^iv\^.^iM:k^i^^^^M' -^ ', 




David P. Corbin, A. M. 



DAVID P. CORBIN. 189 

heart was rolled off in extinguishing the fire through her 
heroic efforts and those of her associates in learning. 
Doubtless it will be seen in the wisdom of God, and the 
wonderful plan of redemption, that this was no waste of 
life any more than the alabaster box of ointment which the 
woman in the Gospel took and poured upon the head of 
Jesus, was a waste of money." 

Though she died at the age of thirty six, yet she accom- 
plished a noble work, the influence of which will be felt 
for many years to come. 

DAVID p. CORBIN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Union, July nth, 
1833, and was the oldest son of Benjamin and Maria P. Cor- 
bin. After attending the district school near his father's 
house, he went to Ashford and Eastford to the select 
schools which were held there in the falls of 1848 and 1849. 
In 1850, he was instrumental in starting the select schools 
in Union. He attended these three falls, and taught win- 
ters. In Union he taught in the Rock-meadow and South- 
west districts, and began to manifest those qualities which 
afterwards made him so successful as a teacher. He inter- 
ested the scholars in study, and encouraged several to seek 
for a liberal education. He pursued his own studies at 
Groton Academy, where Rev. Charles Hammond was prin- 
cipal, and also for a short time at Madison University, at 
Hamilton, N. Y., in company with Justus V. Lawson. He 
finished his preparation for college at the Connecticut Lit- 
erary Institution at Suffield, Conn. In the fall of 1856, he 
entered Brown University, at Providence, R. I., and grad- 
uated there in i860. After his graduation he taught a year 
at Suffield and had just entered upon a second year when 
the call came for 300,000 men to serve in the army for nine 
months. Mr. Corbin was an intense patriot, and he enlisted 
in the service of his country August 25th, 1862, to serve 
nine months. He at once began to raise recruits in Suf- 
field, and soon after came to Union and secured a consider- 
able number of volunteers here. These men from Union, 



ipo BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

with those from Suffield, were mustered into Company G, 
of the 22nd Reo-iment. Mr. Corbin was appointed ist lieu- 
tenant. On March 2nd, 1863, he was promoted to the rank 
of captain. (For an account of the regiment, see the mili- 
tary history). He was mustered out July 7th, 1863. In the 
fall of that year he started a private high school in Willi- 
mantic. In this work Mr. Corbin proved his thorough 
capabilities as a teacher, and as a gentleman of capability 
and tact thoroughly commended himself to the community. 

In 1865, he taught in East Hartford for a year. In the 
fall of 1865, he was called to take charge of the new 
Natchaug school at Willimantic, the higher department of 
which was the outgrowth of his former school there. He 
set about at once to develop and perfect a graded system 
in the new school. He gave it a thorough organization 
and a lasting impetus. He had the faculty of imparting 
to his pupils something of his own energy and enthusiasm. 
He had many entertainments given by the scholars, and 
interested parents and the jDublic generally in the school. 
Tuition pupils began to be attracted from the surrounding 
towns. But Mr. Corbin's excessive disposition to energy 
was too great for his constitution and he overtaxed himself. 
Hence he resigned in the fall of 1869, greatly to the regret 
of the friends of the school. In the words of the resolu- 
tion passed at the school-meeting which unwillingly dis- 
missed him, he had "proved himself thoroughly compe- 
tent for the position," had "satisfied both parents and 
scholars," had given the school a "good name," and had 
"laid the foundation of a long prosperity." 

After a short period of rest and diversion, Mr. Corbin 
accepted the position of principal of the West Middle Pub- 
lic School at Hartford, which position he held till his death. 
Here he worked with the same energy and enthusiasm 
which he had displayed at Willimantic, and won much the 
same name and fame which he had there. His radical 
measures were at first strongly opposed by some of the 
people of the district (which includes many of the wealth- 
iest and most influential people in Hartford), but he lived 



DAVID P. CORBIN. 



191 



to overcome all opposition and the success of his school 
proved that his ways were best. At the time of his death 
the Hartford Couraiit said of him, " His excellent qualifica- 
tions have as a man and a teacher won for him many 
friends in this city." Mr. Corbin was never very vigorous 
and robust physically. Toward the close of his career in 
Hartford he began to be considerably troubled with pul- 
monary difficulties. In October, 1879, in company with his 
brother, William M. Corbin, he went to Colorado to seek to 
regain his health. The disease had progressed too far, 
however, and his health continued to decline. His wife 
was with him for a few weeks before his death, which 
occurred March 15th, 1880, at Larned, Kansas. Funeral 
services were held at Hartford, which were very impres- 
sive, the teachers and pupils of the West Middle Public 
School attending in a body. The services were conducted 
by Dr. George M. Stone, pastor of the Asylum Avenue Bap- 
tist church, where Mr. Corbin was a member. Rev. Dr. 
Twichell of the Congregational church, and Rev. Dr. S. 
Dryden Phelps, editor of the Christian Secretary. The re- 
mains were then brought to Union where another service 
was held Sunday, March 21st, at the Congregational church. 
Rev. George Curtiss, a life-long friend of the deceased, 
preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Matthewson, of North Ash- 
ford, and Rev. William Randall, of Thompson, a very warm 
friend of Mr. Corbin, were present. Mr. Curtiss said, among 
other things, " David P. Corbin was a man of mental and 
moral strength. That influence was always exerted for 
the right and for the welfare of his fellows. He had a ten- 
der conscience and strong convictions of duty. There was 
a moral earnestness about him that impressed one. He 
was a lover of his native town and gave himself to his 
country, served her faithfully and won promotion in her 
service. He was ever pure in heart and corripanionable. 
He early gave his heart to Christ, made a profession of 
religion, and joined the Baptist church at North Ashford. 
He was a sincere, earnest and manly Christian. His last 
message to the teachers in his school was, ' Make more of 
character than of scholarship.' " 



192 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

He was buried in the east cemetery, near his birthplace. 
He left a wife and one son, Frank, who was a most esti- 
mable young man, biit who was cut off by death, June 21, 
1886. 

WILLIAM M. CORBIN. 

Hon. William M. Corbin was born in Union, May 13th, 
1835, being the second son of Dea. Benjamin and Maria P. 
Corbin, who resided in the eastern part of the town. The 
subject of this sketch received a common school education 
in the schools of his native town, and outside of his own 
school district, attended a select school at the Center four 
fall terms, from 1850 to 1853, inclusive, thus preparing him 
for the honorable and successful business career that has 
followed. In 1853, at the age of eighteen, he left home and 
took a clerkship in the store and shoe manufacturing estab- 
lishment of Walker, Sessions & Co., of Mashapaug, and 
there remained three years. In 1856, at the age of twenty- 
one, he became a member of the firm of Sessions, Bates & 
Co., of Fiskdale, Mass., who were also connected with 
Walker, Sessions & Co., of Mashapaug, and Sessions, Car- 
penter (Iv: Co., of Toronto, Canada. In 1858, he returned to 
Mashapaug, and the firm of Walker, Corbin & Tourtellotte 
was formed to succeed the business of Walker, Sessions & 
Co. The death of Harvey Walker, the senior member, 
occurring early in i860, left the management of the busi- 
ness in the hands of Mr. Corbin, who was made or appointed 
the sole administrator of Mr. Walker's estate with its large 
interests. This came to him at the age of twenty-five, and 
was a responsibility that falls to few at so early an age, 
and which he carried through in an able and thorough 
business manner. The firm of Corbin & Tourtellotte suc- 
ceeded the firm of Walker, Corbin & Tourtellotte in 1861, 
and continued until 1868, when Milton H. Kinney was 
admitted, and the firm name became Corbin, Tourtellotte 
& Co. The business was continued until 1871, when Mr. 
Tourtellotte retired, and the business at Mashapaug was 
continued by the remaining partners under the name of 
Corbin & Kinney, until 1881, when the firm dissolved, mak- 



»HPKsS> 




Hon. Wm. M. Corbin, 



WILLIAM M. CORE IX. 



193 



ing twenty-eig-ht years of active business life at Mashapaug, 
including the time spent at Fiskdale and a partnership for 
twenty-five years continuously. During his residence at 
Mashapaug, he had a very honorable and successful record 
in public life, acting as administrator, executor, and trustee 
of estates, guardianships for minors, including the sons of 
the late Harvey Walker, until they became twenty-one 
years of age, and a director of Stafford Springs Bank from 
its inauguration in 1872. In addition to these he held 
various political offices in Union, such as selectman and 
register of voters for several years, also representative in 
the legislature of 1868, declining a re-election. During his 
legislative term, he served on the important Committee of 
Railroads. For nearly eighteen years, from 1862 to 1880, 
he was a deputy sheriff, and in the latter year elected 
sheriff of Tolland county for three years, from June i, 1881. 
In 1875 he was elected senator from the old Twentieth Dis- 
trict. In 1884 he was a delegate to the Republican conven- 
tion at Chicago, which nominated James A. Garfield for 
President. He was for several years a member of the 
Republican town committee of Union, and of the Repub- 
lican State Central Committee of Connecticut, represent- 
ing the old Twentieth District, and was a very strong 
Republican in politics, holding a leading and influential 
position in the councils of his party in Connecticut. He 
joined the Congregational church of Union in 1859, and 
has continued his membership there ever since, being a 
liberal contributor to its support. He was active in the 
extensive repairs of the church in 1865, taking a leading 
part and assisting liberally towards the cost of the same. 
After his election as sheriff of Tolland county, Mr. Corbin 
was urged to make his headquarters at Rockville, the 
largest centre in the county, and in i88t he bought out a 
hardware business there and successfully continued the 
business until failing health compelled his retirement in 
1884. In 1881 he had taken his family to Hartford for edu- 
cational purposes, retaining his legal residence at Union 
until 1884, since which time be has been a resident of Hart- 

13 



194 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ford. His failing health would not admit of his being a 
candidate for re-election for sheriff, hence he declined a 
renomination. For the next three years he was in very 
poor health, and gave up all business interests and cares, 
not expecting to live, having Bright's disease. In the fall 
of 1887, came the failure of the Stafford National Bank, 
which seriously affected the Stafford Savings Bank, on 
account of its large holdings and interests in the stock of 
the National Bank, and other doubtful assets. Although 
.still in impaired health and hardly able to leave his home, 
Mr. Corbin was called to the presidency of the vSavings 
Bank, and at a time when a receivership of the bank 
seemed necessary and inevitable. He at once directed 
himself to the straightening out of the affairs of the bank, 
where he rendered a very valuable service in helping to 
restore confidence and placing on a sound basis what is 
to-day a very strong bank. He was also chosen chairman 
of the stockholders' committee of the Stafford National 
Bank to assist in rearranging the same. He gave to that 
work and to the Savings Bank all of his time until the fol- 
lowing July, when he resigned the presidency of the Sav- 
ings Bank to take the cashiership of the First National 
Bank, which was organized in July, 1888, and commenced 
business August 2nd, following, with a successful record 
since. All of the work that he has done for the banking 
interests of Stafford Springs has had a very hearty support 
and approval of the people and business interests of that 
section. His high character and honorable business record 
has done much to place the financial institutions he has 
heen connected with on a sound and strong footing with 
the full confidence of the people. In October, 1888, with 
Cyril Johnson and Richard G. Beebe, of Stafford, Merrick 
A. Marcy, of Union, and Samuel G. Adams, of Boston, he 
organized the Central Woolen Co., of Stafford Springs, pur- 
chasing the Granite Mill Co. property and changing it to a 
woolen mill. Mr. Corbin was chosen president of the com- 
pany, which has done very much to add to the business 
interests of Stafford Springs, and has itself had a very sue- 



JUSTUS V. LAWSON. 



195 



cessful and profitable career. This covers the leading- 
points of his business record and public life, which have 
been an honor both to himself and his native town of Union. 

JUSTUS V. LAWSON. 

This promising young man, who was cut off at the 
beginning of a career which gave indications of being one 
■of great usefulness, was the fifth child of Deacon Paul and 
Lydia H. Lawson. He was born April 4, 1834. When he 
was sixteen years old he experienced religion, and became 
very thoughtful and earnest. On May24th, 185 1, he joined 
the Baptist church in vStafford of which his uncle Thomas 
Holman was then pastor. He began to think earnestly of 
devoting his life to the work of the Christian ministry, and 
with the approval of the church entered upon a course of 
preparation for it. He had already attended select school 
in Union. In the fall of 1851 he entered Madison Univer- 
sity at Hamilton, N. Y., spending two years in the prepara- 
tory department and one in the college. At the close of 
his Freshman year, he was taken sick with typhoid fever, 
came home and died August 13th, 1854. He was an excel- 
lent scholar, and stood nearly at the head of his class. He 
spent two of his vacations in work as a colporteur for the 
Ainerican Tract Society. He traveled in Tompkins, Tioga 
and Delaware counties, visiting the families, inquiring 
about their religious condition and selling them Bibles and 
other religious books. In] this work he was very happy 
and earnest to do good to the people he visited. In his 
short Christian career he gave evidence that his heart was 
richly imbued with the love of Christ. His high Christian 
character and the estimation in which he was held by his 
friends, are shown in the resolutions which were adopted 
by his classmates on hearing of his death. He is there 
spoken of as "one whose virtues and nobleness of soul 
endeared him to all, and whose industry, meekness, and 
fidelity rendered him an^example worthy of imitation. His 
superior proficiency in scholarship,"scholastic learning and 
.social deportment ever commanded our admiration, and 



196 BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

his -unsiillied reputation as an humble and devoted Chris- 
tian, will leave in the hearts of his classmates a lasting 
remembrance of his name." 

CHARLES F. MORSE. 

Charles F. Morse, the son of Amasa Morse, was born in 
Union, September 5, 1844. After attending school in his 
native town, he went to Monson Academy where he was 
under the charge of Rev. Charles Hammond, who took a 
great interest in him. He was a peculiarly industrious 
and serious scholar, and a young man of pure and noble 
character. He had to depend largely on his own efforts to 
obtain his education. Yet he graduated with honors at 
Monson, and at Amherst in 1872. He then entered the 
Yale Divinity School, where he graduated in 1875. He was 
licensed to preach by the -New Haven West Congregational 
Association on May 5, 1874. After graduating from the 
Seminary, he was called to supply the Congregational 
church at Brookfield, Mass., and also to settle there perma- 
nently, but instead of being ordained and installed he pre- 
ferred to supply for one year before accepting the call. In 
the iniddle of that year's supply he was cut down by fever 
and died there on August 24th, 1876. He left a wife whose 
hand had hardly been removed from the bridal altar ere 
the sacred bond was sundered. His funeral took place at 
the Congregational church at Union, where the following 
ministers were present: Rev. H. Davis, of Abington, who 
preached the sermon; Rev. Mr. Blanchard, of Brookfield; 
Rev. Mr. Butler, of Woodstock, and Rev. J. P. Watson, of 
Union, besides Rev. Amasa Morse, the father of the 
deceased. 

A few days after the funeral, the centennial reunion 
was held at Mashapaug. Here Mr. Hammond in the course 
of his remarks, alluded to Mr. Morse as follows: "It is, 
indeed, an irreparable loss, and the saddest of all calami- 
ties, when a young man, fitted by native gifts and ample 
training of those gifts, for the Christian ministry, suddenly 
falls in the full vigor of life, at the very outset of his 




Rev. Charles Morse. 



THE ARMOUR BROTHERS. 197 

career. ****** jt is some consolation to know 
that a noble life thoug-li prematurely closed, long endures 
in its transmitted influences. Stich a life cannot wholly 
perish. Death cannot destroy the character of the faith- 
ful, blameless Christian scholar, who attained the foremost 
rank at Monson, at Amherst and at the Divinity School at 
Yale. Cherished and consecrated in the affections of sur- 
vivors, the name of Charles F. Morse will live forever in 
the annals of his native town." 

At the close of the speaking, the following resolutions, 
offered by D. P. Corbin, of Hartford, were unanimously 
adopted : 

In view of the recent death of Rev. Charles Fitch IMorse, a native 
of Union, a graduate of Monson Academy, Amherst College, and Yale 
Theological Seminary, a man of sterling worth, and unusual abilities, 
who had in a short time won the deep respect and love of the people 
with whom he labored— and who was expected to take part in these 
exercises to-day, — 

Resolved, By his friends and acquaintances, in Centennial Reunion 
here assembled, 

That we deeply deplore his death, as a great loss to our town, and to 
the community at large; cut down, as he seems to us to have been, in 
the verjr outset of a career of great usefulness. 

That we assure his relatives of our deep sympathy with them in the 
loss of a loving husband, a filial son, and a devoted brother. 

That copies of these resolutions be tendered his wife and parents. 

THE ARMOUR BROTHERS. 

Little did the people of Union think, when Danforth 
Armour left town in 1825, that his sons were destined to 
achieve such great success in business, or carry on so vast 
an amount of it as they have done. Their history, espe- 
cially that of Philip D. iVrmour, the prince of American 
business men, will be read with interest by the people of 
Union, where the Armours lived for nearly a century. 

The names of these sons of Danforth Armour are, Sim- 
eon Brooks, Andrew Watson, Philip Danforth, Herman 
Ossian and Joseph Francis. Only three of these are now 
living, Joseph F. Armour, having died in January, 1881, 
and Andrew Watson Armour in May, 1892. There was 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
198 

another brother, Charles Eugene, who died in the army, 
August 12th, 1863. 

As will appear in the following sketch, Simeon B. 
Armour has been at the head of the business at Kansas 
City, since that branch was established. He has now asso- 
ciated with him the two sons of Andrew Watson Armour, 
viz.: Kirkland B. and Charles W. Armour, who are credited 
with being among the best and foremost business men of 
the West, and maintaining the reputation of the Armour 
name. Philip Danforth is at Chicago, while Herman O. 
has charge of the business in New York city. Joseph F. 
Armour was in Chicago till his death. 

The following sketch, (which we take from the Chicago 
Inter-Occan,) relates principally to Philip D. Armour: 

All agree that Philip D. Armour is an extraordinary man. At the 
age of 60 he continues active in business with undimmed mental vigor, 
a recognized leader in the world of commerce, the guiding genius of an 
enormous business that gives employment to 15,000 men, and a philan- 
thropist whose deeds are as unassuming as they are noble and generous. 
If one succeed in catching the faintest outlines of so heroic a figure 
there are plenty of others ready to fill in the shadows. Amid the crowd 
of contemporary business leaders he towers, like a son of Anak, above 
all his compeers. 

First of all, Mr. Armour may be described as distinctively and 
intensely American. So were his ancestors for generations back, both 
lineal and collateral. In the early history of the paternal branch of the 
family special mention is made of his ancestors as being ' ' possessed of 
bright ideas, and noted for their clever acts." John Plankinton was 
quick to discover this same capacity in the beginning of Philip's busi- 
ness career. The maternal wing was of good old Puritan stock, and 
credited with the possession of an unusual amount of sound common 
sense. Some were gallant commanders in the most important battles of 
the revolution. One who received his death wound while leading a bril- 
liant charge in 1776, was referred to by General Washington as "the 
gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, who would have been an honor to 
any country " Such, then, was the quality of blood whence sprang 
Danforth Armour and Julia Ann Brooks, father and mother of Philip. 

They left Union, Conn., in September, 1825, and settled at Stock- 
bridge, Madison County, N. Y., where Philip D. Armour was born May 
16, 1832. There were six brothers and two sisters. Farming was their 
occupation. Habitual frugality and industry were the fundamental 
principles and characteristic features of the parents. These family 




Mr. Philip D. Armour. 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR. 199 

tenets were laid down in their simplest forms and instilled with human 
sunshine into the life of each child. Their school experience was the 
best the local red school-house could afford. Some of the children were 
fortunate enough to attend the neighboring village seminary. This was 
the case with Philip, and many are the anecdotes that are related of him 
by his schoolmates. . He was genial to a degree, healthy, resolute and 
strong; he held his own wherever events found him; not a follower but 
a leader of his schoolmates, as later events were bound to make him 
among his fellowmen. 

During the winter of 1851 and '52, the excitement attending the dis- 
covery of gold in California having spread over the country, a party was 
organized to make the overland trip. Mr. Armour was invited to join it, 
and was influenced by a growing desire to get out into the world. A 
country life on Stockbridge hills was too obscure and irksome for one so 
tempered. He was just entering upon his manhood, and to go was only 
to satisfy his ambition. The party left Oneida, N. Y., in the spring of 
1852 and reached California six months later. In making this trip they 
were not exempt from the trials and dangers attending similar journeys. 

A miner's life, as everyone knows, has its privations and uncomforta- 
ble surroundings. These were not to be endured in vain. The pitfalls 
and vices that were so common in a country that was turned over to so 
many adventurers, could not find lodgment with one of so resolute a 
character and fixed a purpose. The vicissitudes of this early experience 
rather tended to broaden his views and knit together his dominant char- 
acteristics. 

In 1856 he returned to the East and visited his parents, whom he 
always held in reverential affection. He minutely laid before them all 
he had accomplished during his absence. To a few of the most intimate 
friends of the family, the father whispered the fact of the young man 
having brought back some money with him. 

After remaining with them for a few weeks he once more turned 
westward and finally located in Milwaukee, where he formed a copart- 
nership and entered the commission business with Frederick B. Miles. 
After a successful run they dissolved in 1863. The dogmatic and per- 
sistent way in which he pursued his business, and his characteristic 
manner of reaching out for new ideas, brought him prominently before 
his fellow townspeople. Though yet young, he was looked upon by 
many with almost envy for the prestige he had attained. 

In the spring of 1S63, there occurred what later years proved to be 
the forerunner of a very successful business engagement in the joint 
copartnership arrangement between John Plankinton and Philip 
Armour. Mr. Plankinton had been for some j^ears previously engaged 
in the pork packing industry with Frederick Layton. This firm had dis- 
solved, as had also that of Miles & Armour, before mentioned. Mr. 
Plankinton was Mr. Armour's senior, and had been a resident of Mil- 



200 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

waukee for a much longer period. He had established a most thriving 
business, which had been conducted with unerring judgment. He stood 
high as a merchant, and commanded the respect of all as a public spirit- 
ed citizen. This was Mr. Armour's opportunity. How well he handled 
himself and the business that fell to him, the history of the commercial 
world is alone witness. To the pork packing business of Mr. Plankinton 
he brought that unremitting labor and concentration of thought that were 
so peculiarly his own. The fluctuations in the price of provisions at the 
closing scenes of the war left the firm with a fortune. This, with the 
development of the country, gave them an opportunity of extending 
their growing business. 

At Chicago, in 1S62, Mr. Armour's brother, Herman O. Armour, had 
established himself in the grain commission business, but was induced 
to surrender this to a younger brother, Joseph F. Armour, in 1865. and 
take charge of a new firm in New York then organized under the name 
of Armour, Plankinton & Co. The reason for the organization of the 
New York house was most obvious. The financial condition of the West 
at that period did not permit of the large lines of credit necessary for 
the conducting of a business assuming such magnitude, and it was, there- 
fore, as events proved, most fortunate that the duties devolving upon 
the head of this house should fall to one so well qualified to handle them. 
He was not only equal to the emergency, but soon became favorably 
known as a man possessing great financial ability, and was in fact the 
eastern financial agent of all the western houses. 

The firm name of H. O. Armour & Co., was continued at Chicago 
until 1S70. They continued to handle grain and commenced packing 
hogs in 1 868. This part of the business, however, was conducted under 
the firm name of Armour & Co., and in 1870 they assumed all the busi- 
ness transacted at Chicago. The business of all these houses under their 
efficient management, grew to dimensions that were the marvel of the 
trade. Their brands became as well known in all the markets of the 
world as at home. 

It became evident in 1871 that the stock-producing power of the 
country was migrating westward, and in order to keep abreast of the 
times they established at Kansas City the firm known as Plankinton & 
Armour. This enterprise was under the immediate supervision of Mr. 
Simeon B. Armour, an elder brother. The failing health of Joseph at 
Chicago, necessitated assistance, and Milwaukee, as we have already 
seen, had brains to spare; consequently Philip moved to Chicago in 1875, 
where he has since resided. 

The fraternal feelings manifested on every occasion for the welfare 
and prosperity of his own family were noticeable in the organization of 
the Armour Bros. Banking Company, at Kansas City, Mo., in 1879. At 
that time there remained at the old homestead at Stockbridge, but one 
of the Armours, Andrew Watson. This new institution was created for 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR. 201 

this brother, and he assumed its presidency and its management, con- 
ducting its affairs with signal ability. 

As an illustration of the acuteness and quick perception which is a 
family trait, there is related an interesting incident of this brother. 
Soon after first having been installed in office, a member of a Montreal 
firm who had enjoyed extensive transactions with the Chicago house, 
and stood high in commercial circles, while at Kansas City on his way 
to a depot from his hotel, discovered that he had not sufficient money to 
procure the necessary transportation to a point in Texas whither he was 
en route. 

Looking around he noticed the banking sign and thought of his rela- 
tions with the Chicago house. It occurred to him that the bank might 
be induced to cash a draft on his Montreal house for .$25, notwithstand- 
ing he was a total stranger. He applied to the teller and related his 
story, who promptly refused, but told him he had better see the cashier. 
The cashier declined, but told him to lay the matter before Mr. Armour. 
So, for the third time, he repeated his story to Mr. Armour, who asked 
him if $25 was not a pretty small amount and if he would not be better 
pleased with $50. He replied in the negative, and said $25 was suffi- 
cient. As quick as a flash the farmer bank president told him he could 
have the money. If he had been a rascal, Mr. Armour said, he would 
have taken the $50. It is needless to say the draft was paid. 

It is not to be wondered at that the management of the many millions 
that were invested at the other points mentioned should take their cue 
and follow in the footsteps of the wise and intrepid California pioneer at 
Chicago. This was done invariably with alacritj^ and so harmoniously 
that it has made them all renowned. It is impossible to convey to one 
not familiar with the scope of the business any idea of its magnitude. 
The distributive sales of the Chicago house alone are in excess of the 
gross receipts of any railroad corporation in the world. Even in a busi- 
ness of this magnitude there is nothing too great for Mr. Armour to 
handle, nothing so small that he can overlook it. 

Mr. Armour's capacity for work is something marvelous. He is at his 
desk at 7 a. m. and frequentlj'' before. Fatigue is an unknown term. 
He has traveled extensively, but wherever time has found him, it has 
been among those who consumed his products and where necessarily his 
agencies had been established; his mind would turn intuitively to his 
industries, and thus his recreation became a source by which he qualified 
himself as to the merits of his representatives, as well as the require- 
ments of the people and their condition. He is a close observer and can 
give as clear and accurate a forecast of the coming financial condition of 
the country as it is possible to do. 

At the earnest solicitation of the late Alexander Mitchell he became 
one of the directory of the St. Paul Railway. This is the only office he 
has ever held. Political preferment is neither the bent of his mind nor 



202 BIOORAPHWAL SKETCHES. 

in the line of his ambition. He was never known to occupy a public 
office. 

Mr. Armour was married to Miss Malvina Belle Ogden, at Cincinnati, 
in October, 1S62. She was the only daughter of Jonathan Ogden. In 
making mention of this circumstance, it must occur to any one who has 
been fortunate enough to have been at all intimate with the family his- 
tory, that their home life has been singularly happy. Domestic economy 
was no more truly one of the hearthstones of Mr. Armour's inheritance 
than it was of Mrs. Armour's. These family precepts were laid down 
and fostered in every way. They have two sons, Jonathan Ogden and 
Philip D., both under 30 years of age, and active partners with their 
father. 

It can safely be said they will carry their honors gracefully and with 
becoming modesty. They are quiet in manner; nothing can agitate 
them, and it is pretty sure guessing that the name of Armour will never 
be tarnished by their acts. 

The father of these two brothers is one of the most affable of men. 
He is approachable notwithstanding his great cares and responsibilities. 
He leaves all of these at his otBce and enters his family circle to find 
that joy and contentment which alone spring from an administration of 
home life that is simple, gracious and of an unostentatious character. 

Mr. Armour is one of the most unwearying of workers. The coil of 
his tremendous energy never seems to run down. " Few persons real- 
ize," said one who knows him intimately, " that Mr. Armour works 
harder than any man who carries a tin pail, but it is absolutely true." 
Most men who possess the keenness of intellect and the activity of mind 
which distinguish him would have so many irons in the fire that they 
would be in perpetual confusion. 

But no person is more neat and methodical than this great merchant. 
He drives from his Prairie Avenue residence to his office in the Home 
Insurance Building every morning except Sunday before 7 o'clock. 
Both he and Mrs. Armour are at breakfast by 5.30 or 5.45, though 
of course guests who chance to be in the house are at perfect liberty 
to sleep as late as they like and breakfast at any hour they may choose. 
Occasionally, however, Mr. Armour has the pleasure of entertaining a 
rural visitor from the Stockbridge hills, who is up and ready to eat 
breakfast " by candle light." Though unaccustomed to city ways, these 
old friends of his boyhood days back in Madison county, New York, are 
always welcome. They say "Hello, Phil," when addressing Mr. 
Armour, aud he takes them cordially by the hand, invites them to go 
for a sight-seeing drive about town and to a pleasant corner in his home 
during their stay. He could do no more for the President of the St. 
Paul Railroad. In regard to these common courtesies of life and the 
grace of hospitality, Mr. Armour has not changed with his change in con- 
dition. The hand of fellowship is still his; the spirit of comradeship still 
starts a warm glow in his heart. Money has not dimmed the flame. 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR. 205 

There used to be a time in years gone by when Mr. Armour did not 
retire to rest at 9 i>. m., as he does now, but he changed this order by dis- 
cussing the question with Mrs. Armour and deciding that they would 
be getting up instead of going to bed as many society folk do, when the 
chickens begin to crow for daylight. He is seldom away from home at 
night unless attending a banquet of the Commercial Club or some 
kindred entertainment in which he is specially interested. An im- 
portant meeting at the Armour Mission would perhaps keep him out 
as late as anything, for his heart is in this work, and he gives it his care- 
ful personal supervision. 

Thus as the burden of years increases he is by his very habits of life 
enabled to continue the enormous tasks for which his vigorous consti- 
tution so admirably qualified him in the beginning. Mr. Armour is a 
kind of steam engine on two legs, with heart of fire and lungs of steel, 
pursuing his unhasting and unresting way at a pace which leaves most 
other men far behind. His distinguishing characteristics as a man of 
business are an instinct of order that is very marked; an immense fac- 
ulty for eliciting the best services of executive men employed under him; 
a phenomenally retentive memory; the power of concentration and of 
diverting his thoughts from any subject at will, and a great faculty for 
sleep. He is usually retiring to rest when other men are starting forth 
to fashionable entertainments. Considering these things and the con- 
stitution of steel which he inherited from his rugged farmer ancestors, 
who lived much in the open air, and a digestion that nothing seems to 
impair, and you have some explanation of the amount of work which he 
is able to do. As one of his most trusted young men said to the writer, 
Mr. Armour's wonderful knowledge of details in his vast and varied 
business operations is something perfectly astonishing to the heads of 
department whom he calls up to question almost every day. Another 
mighty advantage which he possesses for the dispatch of business is that 
he is capable of entirely changing the current of his thoughts at a 
moment's notice. 

Nothing preoccupies him longer than he chooses to let it preoccupy 
him. With one caller he may be discussing some question of policy 
touching the management of the St. Paul Railroad, and with the next 
some matter pertaining to the purchase of $500,000 worth of live 
stock. But whether the caller have a mission of real importance or a 
grievance about a consignment of sausages he will find Mr. Armour 
remarkably well informed on the matter to be discussed. Of course 
the consignee of sausage would hardly be granted an interview if 
any of Mr. Armour's secretaries found out what was wanted. But 
whatever the subject may be on which he is engaged, he devotes him- 
self to it thoroughly; whatever he does, he does with his might, and 
does with such concentration as to leave no room for thinking about 
anything else. 



204 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Although Mr. Armour is now beginning to shift some of the respon- 
sibiUties of his enormous business more and more to the shoulders of 
his two sons, who are his active partners and whom he expects to suc- 
ceed him, he still manages to get down to work before any of his clerks. 
But when the weather permits he now goes out every afternoon at 3 
o'clock for a drive on the boulevards, and after dinner in the evening 
he walks briskly awhile for physical exercise. These simple diver- 
sions are the sums of his recreations, except when he goes abroad for 
his annual tour of Europe. Every morning when he reaches his desk in 
his La Salle street office he is greeted by a handsome bouquet of roses 
with a steer's polished horn for a holder. 

There is no doubt that Mr. Armour is deeply interested in young 
people, and is only too happy when he has the opportunity to encourage 
the young and ambitious. He is ever ready to put forth special effort to 
shape the character of those whose lives are in the most plastic period. 

On a certain occasion when traveling to the East, it is said, he became 
deeply interested in a colored hoy — a sleeping-car porter — whom he saw 
trying to read a book. In his genial way he called the boy " General 
Forest." 

"General," said he, " I'll give you $5 if you will read one line of that 
book without stopping to spell out the words." 

The astonished boy grinned, but accepted the liberal offer and read a 
line without hesitation. He not only received the $5, but on further 
questioning disclosed a hungering and thirsting after knowledge that 
caused Mr. Armour to propose a way for his education. The " General " 
was taken from the sleeping-car service and sent to Oberlin College, 
where he was educated at Mr. Armour's expense. It is said that he 
became a very good scholar, and left college to enter the ministry. 

Another very suggestive incident, which serves to illustrate Mr. 
Armour's sympathy for the weak and unfortunate, occurred during one 
of the many voyages he has made in recent years to the old world. He 
was traveling through France. One day in a manufacturing town he 
entertained and instructed himself by going to visit a factory where sev- 
eral hundred girls were employed making lace curtains. Passing through 
the workshop he saw that the emplo3^es appeared to be unhealthy and 
overworked. He was particularly struck by the pinched and worn 
appearance of the young girls. They seemed old and withered before 
their time. He thought, indeed, that he had never seen a little army of 
work-people so forlorn and hungry-looking, even in their hours of indus- 
try. It was a sight that weighed heavily upon his heart. 

Before leaving the factory Mr. Armour called at the office of the 
superintendent and requested the privilege of leaving a sum of money 
to be distributed among these employes whose wretched appearance had 
so touched his sympathies. His request was readily granted. He 
handed over a handsome sum and before departing enjoyed the pleasant 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR. 205 

sight of its distribution, as the girls were called forward to receive the 
gift. The employes were grateful, and Air. Armour went away a hap- 
pier and a better man. 

He believes in relieving human misery so far as it is in his power, and 
he turns a deaf ear to no deserving case of charity. Of course, his 
organized effort in this direction is represented by the Armour Mission 
and the Armour Institute, the latter not being quite completed. In this 
respect it may truthfully be said that Philip D. Armour's life is an object 
lesson of lofty ambition, integrity of purpose, and unfaltering faith in 
God and trust in man. Not in vain has this life been lived. Wealth 
alone does not give a man the greatest power. He must be high-souled 
in his endeavors; he must be broad and liberal in mind; great in heart 
and soul, and ready to advance the cause of all that is noble and 
uplifting. 

One of Mr. Armour's friends called the writer's attention particularly 
to the fact that he was blind as to creed distinctions and without preju- 
dice as to race distinctions. And this truth is shown very plainly in all 
his charitable deeds. When he knows, or has it brought vividly to his 
mind that there is a case of human suffering to relieve, he does not stop 
to ask whether the sufferer is Jew or Gentile, white or black, bond or 
free. 

It has already been mentioned that Armour & Company employ 
15,000 men in their packing and other industries. The results of each 
day's business are laid on Mr. Armour's desk by the heads of departments 
and those he compares with the results of preceding days, and gives 
such orders as he may deem essential. The firm's main plants are at 
Chicago (Union Stock Yards) and at Kansas City, yet the Chicago house 
alone has about sixty branches scattered throughout Eastern and Middle 
States, and not coming in contact with branches of the Western 
house. In the general offices, at the Stock Yards there are about 500 
clerks, while in the La Salle street executive office nearly 200 men are 
employed. 

Mr. Armour has also enormous interests in the grain trade. The 
Armour Elevator Company owns six of the largest Chicago elevators, 
having what is unquestionably the largest storage capacity in the world, 
namely, 10,000,000 bushels. 

He is also largely interested financially in a fleet of lake vessels, of 
which R. P. Fitzgerald & Co., of Milwaukee, are managing owners. 
The vessels of this fleet are all propellers, and are known as the P. D. 
Armour, the John Plankinton, the R. P. Fitzgerald, and the W. M. 
Egan. 

The wealth of this extraordinary business genius, mounting high into 
the millions — how high each is at liberty to guess for himself — represents 
the tremendous possibilities of a single generation in this proud and 
expanding Republic. The brain of a born financier, of unlimited capa- 



2o6 BIOaBAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

city for application and broad and fertile enough to invent new ideas, 
will accomplish that which may be regarded as nothing short of the 
marvelous. With telegraph operators upon his right hand and upon his 
left, Mr. Armour may sit and direct the forces of his army of subordi- 
nates, extending to many parts of the civilized world, with that calm, 
intuitive foresight and resolute judgment which will overcome every dif- 
ficulty and organize victory out of defeat. He is certainly not only a 
man of extraordinary mental endowments, but one whose place will be 
hard to fill when he retires from the active management of his enormous 
interests. He is evidently training his sons for this vast responsibility. 

Armour Mission was established in November, 1886. It owes its ori- 
gin to a provision in the will of the late Joseph F. Armour, who died in 
January, 1881, bequeathing $100,000 for the founding of such a charita- 
ble institution. He wisely directed that the carrying out of this benev- 
olent design should be chiefly intrusted to his brother, Mr. Philip D. 
Armour, who, accepting the trust so imposed, has given to it the same 
energetic and critical attention that he has given to his private affairs. He 
has become so greatly interested in the work devolving upon him, with 
the constantly recurring evidence of the good that the mission has 
accomplished, and with its possibilities for good in the future, that he 
has greatly enlarged upon the original design and, in consequence, has 
added enough from his own resources, to his brother's bequest of $100,- 
000, to make the present investment about $1,000,000. 

Armour Mission is incorporated under the laws of Illinois, and is 
managed by a board of five directors, which at present consists of Messrs. 
Philip D. Armour, John C. Black, William J. Campbell, Jonathan O. 
Armour, and Philip D. Armour, Jr. In addition to the mission building 
proper the Armour Mission corporation owns and manages the well- 
known Armour Mission Flats, consisting of 194 separate flats. The entire 
revenue derived from these flats is used for the maintenance of the mis- 
sion and its departments. 

Recently this endowment fund was increased by the addition of seven- 
teen new flats, which represent an additional expenditure of $700,000. 
They were provided by building an additional story to one of the rows 
on Dearborn street, making the total number of apartments at present 
211. These flats are models of architectural skill. They contain all 
modern improvements and conveniences. They are rented at an aver- 
age of $27 a month, and from their rental comes the revenue of the 
mission. In the 211 flats are comfortably housed nearly 1,000 souls. 

The corporation also owns ground adjoining that occupied by the 
mission and the flats upon which a new agency for good has been 
erected. This is the Armour Institute, or Manual Training School, now 
almost completed at the corner of Armour avenue and Thirty=third 
street, and representing an investment of about $400,000. The ground 
was bought from the city for the purposes of the Institute. The Insti- 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR^ 207 

tute will soon be organized and equipped for work after the most 
approved plans. The best instructors will be provided, and besides 
manual training work, there will be departments of cooking, millinery, 
dressmaking, etc., for girls. It is also the intention to organize and 
conduct a night school in addition to the regular work. The tuition fee 
will be nominal, and this fee will be charged only with the idea of put- 
ting the school on a plane that will give pupils a feeling of independence 
instead of pauperism. 

Armour Mission is a notable example of the consecration of large 
individual wealth to high ends. Its object is to promote the physical, 
intellectual and moral improvement of children and youth. The work 
of the mission, as originally outlined, has been modified and enlarged, 
but in its leading features remains substantially unchanged. In the 
main it is an educational work, suffused with a humanitarian spirit, and 
directed toward religious ends. On the broad, unsectarian platform of 
practical Christianity this institution stands. It is free and open to all 
to the full extent of its capacity, without any condition as to race, creed 
or otherwise. Mr. Armour believes that the children develop into man- 
hood and womanhood according to their early training and surround- 
ings, and that much can be done for the advancement of mankind by 
lending a helping hand to children and youth. His deep interest in the 
welfare of the young has found expression in the mission, and no money 
lie has ever expended has yielded him more genuine satisfaction and 
pleasure than the large sum he has here invested. 

It is well worth a visit, and is certainly one of the most interesting 
objects of study to be found in Chicago. It is situated at Armour ave- 
nue and Thirty-third street, fronting on the latter, the material used in 
the building- being pressed brick and brown stone. The interior wood- 
work is polished oak, and the complete furnishings are in entire harmony 
with the solid character of the structure. The main audience hall on 
the second floor, including gallery and side rooms, will accommodate an 
audience of 1,300, or even more by throwing open the glass partitions 
between the gallery and lecture rooms. When taxed to its utmost capa- 
city the building will accommodate a Sunday school of 2,500 members. 
The audience room is supplied with a large pipe organ. 

Chief among the agencies employed to secure the betterment of the 
community life is the Sunday school, with an enrollment of over 2,200, a 
staff of 170 teachers and officers, and an average attendance of 1,800. 
Supplementary to the work of the Sunday school, the pastor of the mis- 
sion, the Rev. Howard H. Rttssell, conducts a meeting on Tuesday 
evening for systematic Bible study and practical Christian work; another 
on Thursday evening for boys and young men; and still another on Fri- 
day afternoon for children in connection with the public schools. The 
music of the mission, which is made an attractive feature, is under the 
leadership of Charles T. Wyckoff. 



2o8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

While not a regularly constituted church, Armour Mission holds the 
regular Sunday services, and provides the community with the usual 
church privileges. The morning service is especially arranged for 
"children and families." Object lesson sermons are frequently given. 
That all things may be done decently and in order, a roll of communi- 
cants is kept, and the work usually performed by elders and deacons is 
done by special committees. Nothing could be simpler than the organ- 
ization of this Christian Fellowship. To stimulate religious life and 
secure union in Christian work the communicants sign a simple agree- 
ment pledging themselves to walk and work together according to the 
will of the Lord. 

One of the late developments along the line of progressive mission 
work is the Boys' Battalion. This is the creation of Pastor Russell, at 
the Tabernacle Church, Kansas City, some two years ago. The battalion 
numbers iSo boys, ranging in age from 12 to 19 years. The four com- 
panies into which it is divided receive the regulation military drill of the 
United States infantry, under Colonel N. C. Johnston, who devotes all 
his time to the boys and their interests. The boys are provided with 
handsome uniforms and they won prizes for their fine appearance in the 
contests of the recent South Side field day. 

Every recruit is required to sign this pledge: " I promise and pledge 
that I will not use tobacco nor intoxicating liquors in any form; that I 
will not use profane nor vulgar and indecent language; that I will obey 
faithfully all the battalion rules; and that I will at all times set an 
example of good conduct to my comrades and to other boys." 

As an agency for attracting and holding the boys this military organ- 
ization has been an undoubted success. A marked improvement has 
been noted in manners and morals; and through this movement sixty 
boys have been added to the Sunday school during the last few 
months. In fact, the Boys' Battalion seems to have become to the 
Armour Mission Avhat the fifth form was to Rugby in the days of 
Thomas Arnold. Companies of the Boys' Army are being organized 
throughout the country; six companies have already been formed in 
this city. 

In the general department work of the mission there is a reading 
room, a creche or day nursery, a kindergarten, and an industrial school, 
all of which are maintained in the highest efficiency. The kindergarten 
will accommodate 170 little pupils, and is open to children under the age 
of seven. 

The Free Medical Dispensary, which is in charge of Dr. Swartz and a 
corps of able assistants, deserves special mention. Treatment and advice 
are given and prescriptions filled without charge, when patients are not 
able to pay. An average of forty patients a day are healed at the Dis- 
pensary, and e.very month an average of 1,000 prescriptions are written 
and filled. 



PHILIP D. ARMOUR. 209 

Mr Armour is an attendant at many of the mission meetings, thus 
giving the teachers and children the inspiration of his presence. His 
heart is in this noble work. 

The Armour family are attendants of the Plymouth Congregational 
church. Here Joseph F. Armour attended. Both brothers were closely 
identified with the financial history of the church. 

This sketch gives the main characteristics of the man at the head of 
a business the distributive sales of which are in excess of the gross 
receipts of any railway corporation in the world. The traits, the prin- 
ciples and the features here related unite in contributing to the fame of 
the man who has not only reached the zenith of his power and distinc 
tion as one of the first of the world's merchants, but from whose munifi- 
cent influence and bequests posterity will accord the character of a 
benefactor of mankind. 

Since the above was written, the Armour Institute or 
Manual Training School has been completed, and its pur- 
pose and methods have been publicly announced. The 
undertaking- is no chimerical scheme, born in the brain of a 
dying man during a penitential spasm of benevolence, but 
is a work wisely planned by a shrewd, sagacious business 
man, who has given to it not only money but also the bene- 
fit of his strongest thought and ripest experience. The 
object of the Institute is to afford an opportunity to the 
self-respecting young people of Chicago to secure the prac- 
tical training necessary to fit them for useful and inde- 
pendent lives. We cannot enter into a description of it 
here. Suffice it to say that the building (which cost 
$400,000), is perfectly adapted for the purposes of giving 
instruction in the various trades, cooking, dressmaking, etc. 
It is supported by a fund of a million dollars, given by 
Mr. Armour. 

]Mr. Armour is evidently one of those men of wealth, in 
whom there is a deepening sense of stewardship. He has 
tasted the blessedness of ministering to others, and has 
seen how a man's wealth may make his life flow through 
the desert places of the world as a fertilizing stream. Men 
like Philip D. Armour are our social saviors. While living 
their name is honored and when dead their memory is 
blessed. 
14 



2IO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ANDREW WATSON ARMOUR. 

Andrew W. Armour, the second son of Danforth and 
Julia A. Armour, was born at vStockbridge, N. Y., Jan. 27, 
1829. His opportunities for education were few and he 
may truly be said to have been a self-made man. He was 
engaged in the business of farming in Madison Co., N. Y., 
a large part of his life, and he always retained his love for 
the country. 

In 1878, at the earnest solicitation of his brothers, Philip 
D. and Simeon B. Armour, he left his farm in N. Y., and 
went to Kansas City, Mo., where he established the Armour 
Bros. Bank, of which he became president. The times 
were especially unpropitious, and yet he plunged boldly in 
and met with marked success. Under Mr. Armour's able 
management the Bank at once assumed a prominent posi- 
tion among the leading institutions of the city. The cloud 
of threatened disaster which might have deterred a less 
clear headed man from making a venture, passed away. 
The city grew rapidly, gaining wealth and population, and 
Armour's Bank grew^ stronger with it. 

That a man without training in finance should so con- 
spicuously pluck great success from unfavorable condi- 
tions, that he should cope on equal terms with men who 
had devoted their lives to the systematic accjuisition of 
every detail of a most difficult business, requiring delicate 
adjustment to constantly varying conditions, has ever been 
a thing to marvel at among men who have looked appreci- 
atively on. 

Nor did he bring to the discharge of new and unaccus- 
tomed labors that liking for them which is often half the 
struggle. The open air, the sight of green verdure and 
far stretching fields, the black, upturned earth, were all 
more dear to him than the confined streets and ways 
of city life. He labored with all the assiduity of one to 
whom the occupation in which he wrought was congenial, 
but his heart was ever in the country, and books and 
money bags had no conquering charms for him to chain 
him down. 



ANDREW W. ARMOUR. 211 

Mr. Armour's prosperity kept pace with that of the city 
which he did so much to make prosperous. The fortune 
which he left was estimated to exceed $r, 000, 000. Yet he 
remained ever a man of simple, quiet tastes, tasting little 
of luxury, and continuing to be the same approachable, 
unassuming, kindly man he had ever been. 

His knowledge of human nature was extensive and 
he seems to have had the key wherewith to open the minds 
of others and see the real purposes which lay concealed 
therein. He trusted much and never unwisely. Whether 
his judgment or his intuition controlled the placing of that 
trust, it was never abused. Hundreds of business men of 
his city doubtless to-day, give silent testimony to his 
kindl}^ aid, rendered at times and under circumstances 
when their own affairs did not justify their application for 
assistance, but Mr. Armour lent more often on the security 
of men's honesty than on the value of their worldly goods. 
Wor did he content himself with the mere lending of 
material things. He gave abundantly out of the stores of 
his knowledge and experience, and no young man ever 
went in vain to him for that shrewd advice which was 
priceless. He was accessible to all who sought him and he 
followed with delight the execution of plans by others 
whom he had unselfishly aided and assisted with mind and 
purse. 

The welfare and prosperity of Kansas City was singu- 
larly dear to him. His modesty urged him to shun promi- 
nence in projects intended to promote the public good, 
but he labored effectively and heartily, and his thoughts 
dwelt always happily on plans for the advancement of the 
city's welfare. 

He continued at the head of Armour Bros.' Bank until 
1889, when its deposits were $2,500,000. At that time it was 
merged into the Midland National Bank, in which Mr. 
Armour was a director, and the vice-president till his death. 
Besides his banking business, he was a director in the 
Armour Packing Co. of Kansas City. This business also 
was very successfully carried on. 



212 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Close application to the exacting duties as head of the 
bank had caused his health to decline. Hence when he 
was relieved from those duties in 1889, he took several trips 
for recreation and rest. He visited, for the first time in 
many years, his early home, and the burial place of his 
parents. He took an extended trip in Europe, and also 
visited the Yellowstone National park. He did not regain 
his former health, however, and died very suddenly at 
Excelsior Springs, near Kansas City, May 28, 1892. At the 
time of his death he was preparing to enlarge the great 
business with which he was identified. The news of his 
death produced a great shock among the people of the city 
whose interests he had so greatly promoted. He had been 
known there for twelve years as a hard working, temperate, 
honest, generous man. But this was not all. It was not 
the millionaire, nor the banker, nor the public spirited busi- 
ness man who was missed so much as Mr. Armour, the 
neighbor, the friend, the good man, who had a kind word 
and look of encouragement for all who came in contact 
with him. He took a special interest in young people, and 
had a way of endearing himself to them. Many young men 
received from him words of encouragement and advice 
which led them into successful business careers. Prosperity 
did not change him or cause him to despise and shrink 
from the masses. His home was unpretentious, and its 
hospitality the same that he had dispensed on his farm in 
New York. He was a regular attendant at the Second Pres- 
byterian church of Kansas City, and a generous giver to 
its charities. vSuch men as he are the glory of our country. 

DWIGHT MARCY. 

[From Coles' " History of Tolland County."] 

Dwight Marcy was born in Union, June 8, 1840, prepared 
for college at Lawrence Academy, Groton, Mass., was grad- 
uated from Yale University in 1863, and was admitted to 
the bar in Tolland county, in 1865. He began the practice 
of law at Central Village, Windham county, but after a 



PUILIP COBBIN. 213 

short stay there removed to Rockville, where he continued 
to practice his profession with success until his death, May 
7, 1887. In 1867, he was appointed state attorney for 
Tolland county, and held the office two years. He was 
elected assistant clerk of the House of Representatives in 
1867, and the following- year clerk of the State Senate. He 
represented the town of Vernon in the General Assembly 
in 1878, 1879 and 1880, and in the latter year was chosen 
speaker of the House. He was a delegate from Tolland 
county to the Republican National Convention, in 1876. 
He acquitted himself very creditably in all his public 
trusts, and his private life was irreproachable. Had he 
lived he would probably have become a judge of the Supe- 
rior Court. 

PHILIP CORBIN. 

Philip Corbin, of New Britain, together with his brothers, 
is one of the very successful business men who have sprung 
from Union families. He was the third son of Philip Cor- 
bin 2d, of Union, and was born October 26, 1824, after his 
father had removed to Willington. His father was a 
farmer of small means; and his six boys became early 
inured to hard work, thus developing vigorous physical 
frames, industrious habits, self-reliance and enterprise, 
which largely counterbalanced the disadvantages of their 
limited education. 

Besides attendance at the district school, Philip had 
three terms at the West Hartford Academy, where his 
father lived after he was seven years of age. In 1844 he 
went to New Britain, and was apprenticed to North & 
Stanley, hardware manufacturers in a small way. So 
thoroughly did he apply himself to business, that when 
he became of age, he applied for and secured a contract 
for some of the best work given out. For five years he 
went on from success to success, and then in 1849, with 
his brother Frank, who had joined him, he founded what 
has grown into the extensive hardware manufactory of 
P. & F. Corbin. It is one of the leading firms in the 
country, and at the present time when in full operation 



214 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

employs fourteen hundred men. Always at the head of 
it has been Mr. Philip Corbin, carrying it through the 
most discouraging circumstances with a sagacity which 
places him in the front rank of our captains of industry. 
They manufacture a great variety of articles, among which 
are the highest grade of ornamental metallic furnishings, 
such as gas fixtures, door-knobs, escutcheons and other 
trimmings. They have supplied not only private pur- 
chasers, but many public and government buildings includ- 
ing all the bronze hardware for the new State, War, and 
Navy building in Washington, the Post-office and Sub- 
treasury building at Boston, and the new Capitol at Hart- 
ford. A large number of designers are employed to invent 
new and artistic patterns. 

The head of the firm, Philip Corbin, has not only been 
a diligent and successful business man, but has also held 
several civil offices, and has been a very useful citizen 
of New Britain. In 1844, he represented the city in the 
Legislature, and worked thoroughly for the good of the 
State. In 1889 he was chosen State Senator, and in 1892, 
was one of the Republican electors for Connecticut. 

ISAAC PHILLIPS BOOTH, D. D., 

the subject of this sketch, was born in Union, Conn., Sep- 
tember 10, 1843. He was the fourth son of Lydia Olney 
(Phillips) and Isaac Billings Booth, and the fifth of then- 
six children. His minority was spent with his parents, 
and divided between work on the farm in summer and a 
term at school in winter, or in teaching, which he began 
in the winter of his sixteenth year, and which he continued 
each winter until his majority. He early evinced a great 
love for books, and the height of his ambition was to 
obtain an education. But the financial circumstances of 
his parents were such as to give him but little encour- 
agement. Hence, one term of school a year, three of which 
were at a select school in his native town, and one at Mon- 
son Academy, Monson, Mass., was all the schooling of 
which he was able to boast during his minority. But of 




Rev. I. P. Booth, D. D. 



ISAAC P. BOOTH, D. D. 215 

this he made the most; and together with reading- and 
study snatched from the hours that often followed a day's 
hard toil, he succeeded in obtaining a fairly good fit for 
college. Receiving, however, but little encouragement to 
pursue a college course, and being too poor as he thought 
to undertake the task alone, he concluded to abandon the 
idea, and settle down to a business life. So, soon after 
he became of age, without business experience, and with 
no means but the savings from a winter's term of teaching, 
he embarked in a business venture; but with indifferent 
success. 

Finding he had no taste for mercantile pursuits, in a 
few months he sold out his business, and determined to 
take up his much loved work of teaching. 

In the meantime (May i, 1866), he married Miss Julia 
Eliza, youngest daughter of Mr. Laurens Crawford, oi 
Staff ordville. In the spring of 1867, while on a visit to an 
uncle in western New York, he conceived the idea of open- 
ing a select school in the then thriving town of White's 
Corners, Erie county. Already ground had been broken 
for a new graded and high school building there. Assisted 
by his wife, he opened the school, and such was the success 
of the venture, that he was elected principal of the new 
school the following fall, which position he held for two 
years. 

In the fall of 1869, he was called to take charge of the 
Kent Grammar school, Portage Co., Ohio. Here he made 
a name as an educator, and early took a prominent place 
among the educators of the state. Besides attending to his 
school duties, he spent his vacations and other spare time 
in reading law, and in 1870 was admitted to the Portage 
county bar. For the law he had no great love other than 
the knowledge it gave him; but after two years in the Kent 
Grammar school, he resigned and entered the law office 
of M. S. Castle, Esq., Cleveland, Ohio. 

For some time previous to his admittance to the bar, 
he became interested in religious matters and seriously 
contemplated entering the ministry. But his age and pre- 



2i6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

vious training seemed to him rather against such a move, 
and he therefore turned to the law. But this, notwith- 
standing its attractions, he found uncongenial to him. He 
therefore took counsel with several eminent divines of his 
own faith — a course that resulted in his abandoning the 
law after a few month's practice, and entering St. Law- 
rence University in the fall of 187 1. Here he pursued his 
studies with vigor, and in 1874 graduated with honor. 
While here he practically took two courses; a theological 
and a university. To aid him in defraying his expenses, 
as at this time his family had been increased by the addi- 
tion of three children, he assumed the duties of college 
librarian. 

Nearly three months before his graduation, he received 
calls from the First Universalist church at Lewiston, Me., 
and at Huntington, L. I. He accepted the call from Hunt- 
ington, and upon his graduation in June, 1874, entered 
upon the duties of the parish. Here he spent two years, 
when he accepted a call from the Universalist church at 
Morrisville, Vt. His interest in the schools soon brought 
him forward as a school man, and he had been in town 
but a few months when he was chosen Town Superin- 
tendent of Schools, a position which he held during the 
five years he remained in that town. In 1880, he repre- 
sented the town of Morristown in the State Legislature, 
serving as chairman of the general committee and on the 
committee on education. 

In 1881, he received a call from the First Universalist 
church in Northfield, Vt., and removed thither in May of 
that year. His reputation as an educator had preceded 
him. He was there soon elected to the professorship of 
Latin and Greek in Norwich University, which position 
he held four years — three years of this time serving also 
as dean of the faculty. About the time of his entering 
upon his duties as a professor, he was chosen Town Super- 
intendent of Schools for Northfield, serving as such until 
the passage of the Vermont School Supervision Law in 
1888. In 1884, he received the degree of A. M. from Nor- 



MERRICK A. 3IARCT. 



217 



wich University. In 1885, he resigned his professorship and 
became principal of the graded and high school, where he 
remained until June 1889, when he resigned to take the 
office of County Supervisor of Schools. About this time 
he received from Norwich University the degree of D. D. 

So arduous had become his duties in school work, that 
the year previous to his election as supervisor he gave up 
his preaching, except to attend occasional calls. 

In 1886, he served as chaplain in the House of Represent- 
atives at Montpelier, and in 1892 represented his town in 
the same body. Here he served on the committee on edu- 
cation, and was one of the chief authors of the present 
Vermont School Law. 

Upon the office of vSupervisor being changed to that of 
Examiner of Teachers in 1890, he was chosen to the latter 
office, and the next year again made principal of the 
graded and high school, which positions he now holds. 
In addition to this school work, he has the superintend- 
ency of the other schools in town, some twenty in num- 
ber. In addition to these offices, he is pastor of a large 
church in Stowe, Vt., school director, village trustee, and 
master of the local Masonic lodge. 

Though nearly fifty years of age, he is strong and 
healthy, and is often mistaken for a man of forty years. 
His ability to accomplish the work of his many offices lies 
in the fact of his frugal and strictl)" temperate habits. 

HON. MERRICK A. MARCV. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Union, August 
29, 1843, and was the oldest child of the late Merrick Marcy, 
who was a leading citizen and business man of the town, 
(of which reference is made in this book), and who died 
September 30, 1869. 

He received his education in the schools of his native 
town, and at. a very early age commenced assisting his 
father in his large business interests, taking an active and 
prominent part in the management of the store and shoe 
manufacturing interest, and early developing those busi- 



2i8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ness traits that have done so much to make his business 
and piiblic life so remarkably successful, and which have 
placed him in the front rank of the strong business and 
public men of the State of Connecticut. 

Early going into partnership with his father, at his 
decease an unusual responsibility fell upon him, and when 
only 26 years of age, he was engaged in carrying on the 
business and assisting in the settlement of his father's 
large estate, all of which was done in a very able and 
highly creditable manner. He continued the shoe manu- 
facturing business in Union until 1874, when the firm of 
Marcy Bros. & Co. removed to Hartford and Wethersfield, 
employing labor at the Conn. State Prison. 

The business has since been very successfully continued 
in different co-partnerships, under the same firm name, and 
has become a very large, prosperous and successful busi- 
ness, increasing in its volume every year, until to-day it 
easily ranks among the leading manufacturing interests 
of the state. A very large southern trade has been built 
up, which was started under the able efforts of his two 
brothers Morris H. and George C. Marcy, now deceased, 
who developed great ability in this part of the business, 
doing much to find a market for the large and increasing 
production of the manufactured goods at Wethersfield. 

Much prosperity has come to this firm from the strong 
and successful features of Mr. Marcy's business career, 
from his close and thorough attention to details, his grasp 
of the situation, and his keen forethought, all of which 
have contributed much to his own success, and that of 
those associated with him in business matters. In addi- 
tion to his business affairs, he has taken an active part 
in political matters, early taking a prominent place in the 
Democratic party in his own town, county, and state, and 
continuing in the well known principles of his honored and 
respected ancestry. His grandfather, the late Augustus 
Moore, was a leader in his party, and many times a member 
of the Legislature. Mr. Marcy was a representative to the 
Legislature for four terms, in 1865, 1866, 1879 and 1880, and 



MERRICK A. MARCY. 219 

at his first election was only 21 years of age. In his first 
two years he was one of the two youngest members, and 
one of the few of the Democratic party who had repre- 
sented Union for several years prior. In the years 1873 and 
1874, he represented the old 20th District in the Senate, 
being one of the two youngest members of that body in the 
first year, and the youngest in the latter year. From 1859, 
to his election, the District had been represented only two 
years by a senator of his party, and after his own two 
years of honorable service he was succeeded by a Republi- 
can. He was the first senator elected from Union since 
1848, a period of 25 years, when the late Judge Ingoldsby 
W. Crawford represented the 20th District in his last term. 
In the year 1880, he was the nominee of his party for the 
important office of State Treasurer. Very few have had 
more influence in the councils of his party. He has always 
been a firm believer in its principles, and possessed the 
confidence of its adherents in a full degree. He was for 
many years a Director in the old Stafford National Bank, 
has been until recently a Director of the First National 
Bank of Stafford Springs, from its organization in 1S88, 
and is at present its largest stockholder. He was one of 
the original incorporators and a Director of the Central 
Woolen Co., of Stafford Springs. He married Miss Jennie 
Bicknell, Feb. 22, 1882. Mr. Marcy built a fine residence in 
Union, several years ago, where he resides the greater part 
of the year, retaining his legal residence there, and the 
balance of the time he occupies his residence in Hartford. 
He has done much for his native town in various ways, 
holding important public positions, and taking an interest 
in whatever has pertained to the benefit of its people. He 
has been a supporter of the Congregational church, and 
ever ready to help those in need of assistance. He is a 
citizen of whom his town can well be proud. 

JOEL H. REED, 

the son of Levi Reed, was born in Eastford, January loth, 
1850. In that same year his father removed to Union, 



220 BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and there his boyhood was spent. He attended the public 
and select schools of his native town. In the winter of 
1867-8, he first commenced to teach in the East district in 
Union, and continued to teach winters for a number of 
years, relying on this as a principal means of support in 
prosecuting his studies. In the fall of 1868, he attended a 
select school at Ashford, taught by John D. Gaylord. The 
next year, 1869, at the earnest solicitation of Rev. Charles 
Hammond, he entered Monson Academy. After finishing 
his studies there, upon the advice and suggestion of Mr. 
Hammond, he entered in September, 187 1, upon the study 
of law with Hon. Dwight Marcy, of Rockville, Conn., for- 
merly of Union. To the instruction and influence which 
he received from this teacher, Mr. Reed ascribes in large 
measure, the success which he has had in his professional 
career. He was admitted to the bar at Tolland at the 
September term of the court in 1874. He commenced the 
practice of law in Stafford Springs, where he continued 
till October, 1878, when he removed to Colchester, Conn., 
where he opened a law office. He remained there till 
October, 1885, when he returned to Stafford Springs, where 
he has since resided and practiced law. As a lawyer Mr. 
Reed is warmly attached to his profession, and is thorough 
and painstaking in the preparation of a case. He is 
regarded as a safe counselor, and his advice is exten- 
sively sought, and his judgment relied on. In his personal 
manner he is modest and unassuming, pleasant and agree- 
able. He is warmly attached to his old home in Union, 
and has a kind interest in the people of the town. 



CHAPTER VI. 

INDUvSTRIAL HISTORY OF UNION. 

I. AGRICULTURE : FARMING BY THE EARLY SETTLERS — CROPS 

RAISED MARKETS WILD ANIMALS PRESENT CONDITION OF 

AGRICULTURE. 

II. LUMBERING : IMPORTANCE IN UNION THE SAW-MILLS IN 

TOWN. 

III. THE STORE AND SHOE BUSINESS : MERRICK MARCY BUSI- 
NESS OF HIS SONS — BURNING OF THE BLOCK AT UNION — 

THE BUSINESS AT MASHAPAUG : MOSES WHITE HARVEY 

WALKER JARED SESSIONS WM. CORBIN CESSATION OF 

THE SHOE MANUFACTURE OTHER INDUSTRIES AT MASHA- 
PAUG. 

AGRICULTURE. 

THE principal occupation of the inhabitants of the town 
always has been, as it doubtless always will be, the 
cultivation of the soil. 

When the early settlers came here, they doubtless 
selected such lands for their farms as were most open and 
could most easily be brought under cultivation. It is said 
that they found the entire town covered with forest, except 
the Lead Mine hill (south of Henry Corbin's). Upon this, 
sufficient grass grew so that the settlers used to mow it in 
common. It is said that they were accustomed to go and 
mow the first three days of the week, Monday, Tuesday 
and Wednesday, and rake and get in their hay on Thurs- 
day, Friday and vSaturday. The settlers aimed, as soon as 
possible, to clear the swamp lands so as to raise grass on 
them. When cleared, the grass would come up rich and 
luxuriant, and of a pretty good quality, and it did not fail 
as soon as on the uplands. Hence it may be seen now how 



222 INDUSTRIAL IIISTOIiY. 

nearly all the swamp land in town has been cleared and 
mowed at some time or other. Many of these meadows are 
now growing tip, and with the improved cultivation of the 
uplands, are not valued as highly as formerly. 

The question arises, how did the settlers gain a living? 
What did they turn off from their farms to get the means 
to buy what was necessary for their families? In the first 
place they had little to buy compared with what a family 
needs now-a-days. Nearly everything the family needed 
was raised or made at home. What was needed for food 
was almost entirely raised on the farm. Potatoes were just 
coming into common use when the town was settled. 
There is a tradition handed down in the Lawson family, 
that when the family of John Lawson the pioneer settler 
first tried potatoes, they did not know how to season them, 
or what to eat with them. So they tried some hotiey, which 
presumably did not go very well. The quantity of pota- 
toes raised was rather small, turnips largely taking their 
place. Bread was made from r3^e and Indian meal, and rye 
flour. Very little wheat flour was used. Even within the 
remembrance of persons now living, the prudent house- 
wives would make the lower crust of a pie of rye and the 
upper of wheat. Rye was m.uch more generally raised 
than now. Each settler intended to clear a piece of land 
each year, burn it over, and raise rye on it. A barrel of 
wheat flour was made to last a family a year. Then the 
g'arments that were worn were almost invariably of home 
manufacture. The wool or flax was first spun into yarn 
and then woven into coarse cloth. Of course, these pro- 
ducts were more generally raised than now. Every far- 
mer had a few sheep to supply wool for his family use. 
Nearly every year too, he raised a patch of flax. This was 
pulled and left on the ground to rot. After several weeks 
it was gathered up some dry day and bound into bundles. 
Then, usually during the winter, it was broken with an 
oak instrument called the "break." Next came the pro- 
cess of "swingling" it to separate the fibre from the coarse 
woody part called the "shives." Then it was combed with 



EARLY MARKETS. 223 

the "hatchel " by the women, and the long, clean fibre sep- 
arated from the short '• tow." It was then ready to be spun 
on the little flax wheels. Few young people now-a-days 
could go through the process of transforming the plant 
into linen cloth. Boots and shoes, too, were usually made 
at home. Sometimes the farmer would have a skin tanned 
to furnish the leather. There was at one time a tannery 
in Union, opposite the new cemetery. Many other articles 
were made at home, by those who were skillful, such as 
the wooden plows which were used and other farm tools, 
household furniture, etc. The principle of division of labor 
was little practiced a hundred years ago, compared with 
what it is now. Hence the things to be bought were much 
fewer than at the jiresent time. The places to which the 
people of Union had to go to trade were at quite a distance. 
There were then no thriving villages like Southbridge and 
Stafford Springs in the vicinity. Windham was one of the 
nearest places of trade. Some used to go to Providence, 
Norwich, Boston, and especially Hartford. They usually 
went with ox-teams. The story is told of one of the early 
residents of Union going to Boston to buy the various arti- 
cles which he needed. His wife had importuned him to 
get her a large iron kettle, as she needed one very much. 
When he had got nearly home, and was driving his steers 
over the new, rough road in the dark, suddenly his cart 
overturned, and the new kettle was thrown out on some 
rocks and broken. "There goes Sal's kettle," exclaimed 
the poor man with a sigh, as he thought of all the trouble 
he had taken to get it. Trade was mostly by barter, as 
money was scarce. The articles which the farmers sold 
were boards and other lumber, beans, oats, flax-seed, bay- 
berry tallow, butter, etc. And the things bought were salt, 
sugar, flour, molasses, codfish, glass, crockery, nails, etc. 
There was another article which unfortunately was bought 
with about as much regularity as any of these, and that 
was rum. It was deemed necessary to have a supply of it 
on hand. 

It was a common custom for the Union farmers to drive 



224 



INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 



to Hartford once or twice a year, buy the things they 
needed, and drive home the following day. Fat cattle were 
often driven to Providence, and sold in the markets there. 
Some used to take loads of hoop-poles to sell there. The 
Holmans who lived on the Lawson place were coopers, and 
made and sold many barrels. Potash used to be manufac- 
tured from ashes to some extent. Philip Corbin made 
considerable quantities of this and sold it in Norwich. A 
refined form of this was called pearlash, and was used in 
cooking as saleratus is now. 

The settlers of Union were considerably troubled with 
wild animals for sometime after the settlement of the 
town. A large part of the land remained unimproved in 
the hands of non-resident owners and, as the people said, 
"afforded a breeding place for vermin, so that it was diffi- 
cult to raise crops." Probably the raccoons, muskrats^ 
minks, woodchucks, skunks and foxes were more numerous 
and aggressive than now. Then at first there were other 
wild animals. Deer were sometimes seen and killed. There 
were probably some bears. Wildcats were very common 
in some localities, and have been shot within the mem- 
ory of persons now living. A stray wolf would now and 
then come into the region in winter time, and work devasta- 
tion in the sheep-folds and among the young cattle. 
Exciting were the chases which the men and boys had 
after such a marauder. The following poem, by Uriah 
Lyon, of Union, describes such a hunt, which took place in 
the early part of the century. The hunt occurred in the 
''Cedar Swamp," west of where Moses Gage now lives, 
north of West Woodstock. It is said that Stephen Bugbee 
had been away from home, and returned just as they had 
got the wolf surrounded. He took his gun, loaded it with 
a bullet cut in quarters and went to the place. But the 
party there told him that as he had not helped surround 
the wolf they did not want him in the line to help kill it. 
So he retired a distance to a knoll from which a good view 
could be obtained. Soon the wolf, escaping between some 
of the men, came past him, and he shot it. Uriah Lyon, or 



STOBY OF THE WOLF-HUNT. 225 

'Riali Lyon, as he was called, was an odd genius, as the 
poem indicates: 

" AN EULOGY ON THE DEATH OF A WOLF. 

A wolf of late came through this state, 

Destroying sheep and cattle; 
The men, alarmed, equipped and armed, 

And soon prepared for battle. 

From town to town he traveled 'round, 

Through swamps and fields did go. 
Followed he was, by men and boys. 

Who tracked him in the snow. 

Some snapped their guns while others run, 

When he came in their sight, 
Thus while 'twas day around he'd stray, 

And feed on sheep at night. 

Until at last they got him fast, 

'Twas in a neighboring wood, 
A hundred men were gathered then, 

So around him they all stood. 

Thus 'round the wood well armed they stood,. 

While some on horns did blow. 
Some make a shout to drive him out 

And after him they go. 

They soon did drive him from his hive, 

And swiftly he did run. 
But soon did fall, killed by a ball 

From Stephen Bugbee's gun. 

Soon as 'twas done the news did run 

From one unto another, 
Until they all had heard the call. 

Then 'round him they did gather. 

Then by command this numerous band 

Prepared themselves to march, 
And off they go, as pleased as though 

They'd taken Bonaparte. 

' So down they came to drink some rum. 
And celebrate the day. 
In which was wrought that great exploit. 
Of which you heard me say." 

15 



2 26 INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 

The last wolf which was seen in this vicinity came 
through town in 1837. He came into town from Stafford, 
and went through to Woodstock, killing sheep and sucking 
their blood, at nearly every house. A large party of hun- 
ters followed his trail and finally surrounded him in a 
swamp near where Luther Marcy lives. When the dogs 
drove him out he passed between two men, one of whom 
was scared and did not try to kill him. The other who 
was Captain Danford Morse, made repeated efforts to fire 
off his old flint-lock gun, but it failed him at just the 
critical time, and the wolf escaped. He was afterward 
heard of away up in New Hampshire. 

If a wolf should come to town now, he might starve 
before he found any sheep to feed on. 

The character of agriculture in Union, and in all New 
England as well, has greatly changed during the last fifty 
years. The opening up of the West, and the growth of 
the cities, have had a great effect on these old New Eng- 
land towns. Increased facilities of communication, and the 
growth of sanitary science have rendered it possible for an 
immense population to live within the limits of a city. 
New inventions have caused the transfer of certain indus- 
tries formerly carried on in the home to large establish- 
ments, and the centralization of these industries in the 
cities and larger towns, has caused a drift of population to 
them from the back towns. The West has attracted many 
of the young men from Union. Between the years 1825 
and 1S30, or thereabouts, there was quite an extensive exo- 
dus of people from Union to Stockbridge, N. Y., and the 
immediate vicinity. Among the young people from Union 
who went thither, were the following: Preston, Lyman, 
Volney, Danforth and Caroline Armour; Erastus, Philena, 
Gurdon, Norman, Chauncey, Lawrence, Fidelia and Lucin- 
da- Horton; James, Alfred, Lyman, Eli, Austin, Thomas, 
Caroline and Dr. James Moore; Edward Foster and family, 
Charles Foster and family; John Potter, who married Dor- 
othy Foster; Elisha and Cheney Griggs; Elijah Kinney 
and family, Cyrus Coye, Solomon Strong, who married 



AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION. 227 

Philena Horton, Alexander Strong, Phebe Lawson who 
married Lyman Moore, and others. 

Among those who went to other places from Union, 
were Roscius and Louisa Newell and Festus Moore and 
family, to Ashtabula, Ohio; Stephen Fairbanks and family, 
to Michigan; Dwight and Alvin Foster, to Wisconsin, 
where Norman Horton afterwards went from Stockbridge. 
Two sons of William Foster, William, Jr., and John N., 
Dwight Crawford and Francis Hammond, also went to 
Wisconsin. T^hese all made valuable citizens in the places 
where they settled. 

The result of this constant emigration from town has 
been that in many cases the old farms have been deserted, 
and left to grow up. One reason for this has been the 
depression in agriculture during the last twenty years. 
The Civil war created a disturbance in prices and stimu- 
lated agriculture by calling, for the time being, many men 
from the farms, and meanwhile the army had to be fed. 
After the war and until about 1872 or 1873, farming had a 
period of great prosperity. Then a cloud began to gather 
over the business and the agricultural depression began. 

One reason for this depression was the abnormally rapid 
settling up of the West, with the consequent over-produc- 
tion of farm products. The facilities for transportation, 
brought the Eastern and Western farmers into direct com- 
petition, wnth consequent disadvantage to the former 
owing to the greater difficulties of production here. 
Then again, an immense amount of government land has 
been given away in the West. This land has rapidly 
risen in value, so that the Western farmer has had this in- 
direct advantage over the Eastern one, whose lands have 
rather decreased than increased in value. The result of 
all this has been that farming in the East has not been so 
profitable during the last twenty-five years, as other forms 
of industry. But probably the limit of this depression has 
been reached. Very little valuable farming land remains 
to be given away by the government. As time goes on the 
relations between the East and the West will become bet- 



2 28 INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 

ter adjusted. Eastern farmers will find what they can 
produce to best advantage; cattle breeding and cattle 
feeding will undoubtedly revive, and better animals be 
produced than formerly. Truck farming, the growing of 
fruits, and emphatically the dairy interest, will all increase, 
because the nearness to market gives an immense advantage 
over the West. The market facilities of Union have greatly 
increased during the last forty years, owing to the growth 
of neighboring villages, especially Stafford Springs and 
Southbridge. One of the disadvantages of Union is the 
distance from railroad. A hundred years ago the town 
was no more "out of the world " than any other. But the 
flocking of the population to railroad towns has left Union 
high and dry as it were. Nevertheless the railroad facili- 
ties of Stafford and Southbridge have been of great value 
to Union. 

The changes in the methods of agriculture are familiar 
and need only to be referred to here. No good farmer 
now considers himself equipped unless he has a mowing 
machine and a horse rake. Great improvement has also 
taken place in other farm tools and machines. It has 
become more and more necessary to have the fields clear of 
the boulders which are so great a hindrance to their easy 
cultivation. Where farmers have done this, they have 
found that it has paid them even within a few years. 
There is vast room for a greater improvement than has yet 
taken place. More intelligence and enterprise should be 
used and the results of the work of the State Agricultural 
Experiment Stations be put to practice. The Grange 
which has recently been started in Union, has a great field 
for usefulness, in promoting a knowledge of the best 
methods of farming, drawing the farmers into closer sym- 
pathy, and affording pleasant social advantages. Cer- 
tainly any one need not complain that his lot has been cast 
in Union. Although there is little hope of acquiring much 
of this world's goods, still one may live a happy, useful, 
and honorable life here. The number of able and useful 
men which Union has sent out indicates that it is a good 



LUMBERING. 



229 



place to be reared in. Here may be developed a sturdy 
independence and self-reliance, and a strong, upright char- 
acter. Mr. Hammond, in his sermon at the rededication of 
the church at Union, remarked: "If, as has been said, the 
only product of this town for exportation is men, then 
there is need here of all the moral and religious forces 
which tend to make men of the right stamp, men having 
the sterling virtues of honesty, truth and temperance, men 
who love their country, and live in the fear of God." May 
the chief function of Union continue to be as it has been 
in the past, to prodiice men of this kind. 

LUMBERING. 

The lumber business in Union has always been an 
important one. Much of the land, on account of its rough 
and hilly character, is unfitted for cultivation, and conse- 
quently is better left to grow up to timber. Quite early 
in the history of the town, the industry was started, of 
the manufacture and sale of lumber. Of course the quan- 
tity sold was small compared with what it is now. Most 
of it was drawn to Windham and sold there. Water saw- 
mills were built soon after the settlement of the town. The 
one at Mashapaug was probably the first and was built 
before 1740. Probably no town in the region, according 
to its size, has had so many saw-mills as Union. There 
have been mills at seventeen different places, and as many 
as thirteen have been running at one time. 

A brief and imperfect account of these mills is as fol- 
lows: 

I. The Mashapaug mill. The first mill on this site 
was built by Capt. Daniel Badger, who had first settled on 
what is now the Mason Horton place, but who afterwards 
went to Mashapaug. The Badgers owned it for a consid- 
erable time. About 1825, it was owned by three men, Philip 
Corbin, Robert Lawson, and Paul Lawson. This mill was 
burned. It stood nearer the road than ,the present one. 
There have been at least three different mills on this site. 
The present one is owned by Lyman Moore and William 



230 



INDTISTBIAL HISTORY. 



Corbin. Previous owners have been Josiah Leland, vSamuel 
McAllister, and Albert Back. 

2. The Bigelow mill. The dam here was built by Amos 
Woodworth about 1760. He began work on it by hauling" 
earth in a wheelbarrow. It afterwards came into the hands 
of the Crawfords, being owned first by Samuel Crawford, 
Sr., then in part and finally entirely by Trenck Crawford. 
In 1838 a new mill was built and a box-shop added. This 
was burned a number of years afterwards. The present 
mill was built by James Herindeen. It was afterwards 
owned by Frank Letcher and T. J. Youngs, and now by 
Luther Marcy. 

3. The Lawson mill. This mill, now in ruins, is at 
least the second one on the site. The first mill here was 
built by Edward Houghton, who came to town in 1744. 
He also had a grist-mill here. It afterwards came into 
the hands of the Lawsons. The present mill was built 
by David Lawson about 1840. 

4. The Kinney mills. The present saw-mill is the third 
one on the site. The second and perhaps the first, was built 
by Archabald Coye. The present one was built by Nathan 
Kinney, about 1837. The box-shop, which was burned in 
1885, was biiilt about 1857, and the shingle-mill in 1865. 
Quite an extensive lumber business was carried on here 
by the Kinney brothers, Myron and Milton, especial!}^ dur- 
ing the years from i860 to 1870. The amount of lumber 
sawed in the saw-mill during these years would average 
about 200,000 feet a year. 

5. The Horton mill, situated on Bush meadow brook 
near the Watkins place. 

6. The Foster saw-mill, built by William Foster, after- 
wards run by Burke and Byron Foster. It is now owned 
by the Marcys. 

7. The Capt. Danford Morse mill, in the southwest cor- 
ner of town now owned by the Kieses. 

8. The Goodell mill, built by the Bracketts, afterwards 
run by Leonard Goodell, and now by David Matthews. 

9. The Dexter Moore mill. 



THE SAW-MILLS IW UNION. 231 

10. The Harris or Colburn mill. This was built by 
Harden G. Back about 1850. It has been owned since by 
Isaiah Hiscock, George L. Marcy, Jarvis Hatch, Orrin 
Walker, Newton Wallace and William H. Harris, and Geo. 
D. Colburn. 

11. The Col. Moses C. Sessions mill, situated north of 
the Newman Bugbee place. 

12. The Cass or Wallace mill (near the Capt. Paul place). 
There was a mill here before the present one built by 
Robert Paul. The present one was built by Elbridge Cass, 
and is now owned by Edwin Wallace. 

13. The Cleveland mill, built by Solomon Cleveland, 
and burned about 1890. 

14. The Luther Crawford or Putnam mill which stood 
on the road east of where Samuel Goodyear now lives. 
It was built by Squire Luther Crawford early in the cen- 
tury. 

15. The Sessions mill. In the early part of the cen- 
tury there was a saw-mill near Lost Pond, just east of 
the road, owned by Abijah, William P., and Lyman Sessions. 

16. The Leonard or Sherman mill. This was situated 
in the southeast part of town east of the Leonard place. 
The former mill here was owned by George Leonard, and 
the present one was built by Henry Sherman. 

17. Fayette Crawford built a mill south of his house in 
1864. The amount of water was small and he had a large 
over-shot wheel. The mill is not now standing. 

All the old saw-mills had the old-fashioned up-and- 
down saw with its cumbrous machinery. It was impos- 
sible to saw very fast with this. There was about as much 
difference between such an old saw-mill and the modern 
steam saw-mill as there is between the old-fashioned stage- 
coach and the modern locomotive. The introduction of 
the circular saw was a great improvement. But even then 
the old water-mills could not compete with the movable 
steam-mills which are placed right on the lot to be cleared 
so that an immense saving is made in the hauling. 
These steam-mills first began to be used in town about 



232 INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 

1870. Since then their use has steadily increased so that 
at times there have been three or four different ones 
running in town at the same time. If anyone contem- 
plates doing much in the lumber business, a steam-mill is 
a matter of course. Perhaps the most extensive business 
in this line has been done by Daniels & Aldrich, on the 
David Lawson place. The steam-mills have so displaced 
the old water-mills that onl}^ about five of the latter out of 
the seventeen which there have been in town, arc now 
running at all, and the amount of lumber sawed by these 
is much smaller than formerly. 

When we think of the vast tracts in town which are 
growing up to forest, such as the Breakneck region, the 
BigeloAV valley, and especially its entire eastern slope, we 
are led to the conclusion that it will take a long time yet 
for the steam-mills with all their rapidit}- to strip the town. 
The lumber business will be an important one for many 
years to come. To be sure, all the old primitive growth 
has now been cut off. But there are acres and acres of 
land, much of which was once used for pasture or culti- 
vation, which are now covered with a dense growth of 
trees. It was formerly the custom when a lot was cleared 
to burn it over, raise rye and make a pasture of it. But 
now, when the lumbermen leave a lot, a new growth imme- 
diately springs up. If it is pine that has been cut off, it is 
followed by the deciduous-leaved trees. The old pastures 
and fields grow up mostly to pine. 

Much of the land of Union is better fitted to grow trees 
than to raise anything else on. It will probably be many 
years hence before much more is brought into cultivation 
than there is at present. But it would pay those farmers 
whose pastures are old and growing up to bayberry bushes, 
pine trees, white birches, etc., to burn over some of the lots 
which the steam-mills have left, and make pastures of them. 
The ashes enrich the soil, so that it grows excellent feed 
for thirty years or more. 

Cutting and selling wood has been quite an important 
business in town, especially before coal came into general 



MERRICK MARGY. 



233 



use in the neighboring villages. The west part of town 
was nearly all cut over and the wood drawn to Stafford 
for the use of the furnaces there before they began to use 
coal. 

THE STORE AND SHOE BUSINESS. 

We group these two industries, because in the two prin- 
cipal places where they were carried on, at Union Center, 
and at Mashapaug, they were closely connected and can 
hardly be separated. The business at the former place 
centres about the career of Merrick Marcy. He was the 
son of Calvin Marcy, and was born in Holland, Mass., Octo- 
ber nth, 181 2. He commenced keeping store on a small 
scale in what was later known as the Lindsey house (where 
Edwin Upham now lives), not far from 1830. Warner 
Howard had kept a store at Union for several years, start- 
ing at Newell's. He began building the house at the 
south end of the block which Mr. Marcy afterwards owned, 
about 1835, intending to have a store in the north wing. 
But his wife died before he completed it, and he sold out 
to Mr. Marcy, who went on and finished it. The latter 
kept his store in the north part of the building for a num- 
ber of years. 

About 1847 he built the brick store in which he after- 
wards carried on his mercantile business. About the year 
1845, he commenced m a small way the manufacture of 
boots and shoes in connection with his general store busi- 
ness. This he increased as time went on, giving employ- 
ment to a number of men. But those who worked directly 
in his shop were only a few compared to the number out- 
side to whom he gave employment. For he was accus- 
tomed to put out the work of fitting and bottoming. 
Many families in the vicinity took work of this kind to do. 
They were paid out of the store, and here is where the 
larger part of the profit was made. 

Mr. Marcy's business was largest between the years 
i860 and 1866, amounting to over $100,000 per annum. Dur- 
ing these years he gave employment regularly or irregu- 
larly to about one hundred and fifty persons annually. He 



234 INDUSTRIAL HI8T0RT. 

built a shop north of the brick store and later a large stone 
structure behind it. He erected houses still farther north 
till finally he had a block about two hundred and fifty feet 
in leng-th, besides two houses farther up on the hill. He built 
his own house on the hill in 1857. That same year a finan- 
cial panic occurred which considerably injured his busi- 
ness. Between the years i860 and 1869, the amount of shoe 
business which he did was small. He died September 30th, 
1869, aged fifty-seven. He was a man of energy and push, 
rising from very humble circumstances to comparative 
wealth. He sometimes appeared rough in manner, but the 
worst part of his nature was on the outside, and he really 
had a kind heart within. His business helped many poor 
people who thus found employment. Had he received a 
proper training and a good education in his youth, with his 
native ability and force, he would have been sure to have 
made his mark in the world. 

After his death, his business was carried on by his sons, 
Merrick, Morris and George. In 1874 they made a con- 
tract for a part of the convict labor at the state's prison, 
at Wethersfield. They began with fifty men, for whose 
labor they paid fifty cents apiece a day. They thus began 
the shoe manufacture at Wethersfield, at the same time 
continuing it at Union. But the latter was soon found to 
be unprofitable, owing to the changes that had come about 
in the business, the distance from railroad, etc., and hence 
they gave it up entirely about 1876. Their business has 
gone on increasing till now they employ from one hundred 
and seventy-five to two hundred convicts, and some fifty 
other employes. They have their office at 14 Ford street, 
Hartford. 

The amount of their business is frotn $350,000 to $400,000 
annually. The firm name with which they started " Marcy 
Bros. & Co.," has been continued although there have been 
changes in its membership. It was first composed of Mer- 
rick, Morris and George Marcy, and George Baker. The 
youngest brother, William, who was then not of age, was 
later taken in, and the two brothers, Morris and George 




Merrick Marcev, 



THE BUSINESS AT MASHAPAUQ. 



235 



have died. Mr. Rankins and Mr. Burnham are now mem- 
bers of the firm. Mr. Merrick Marcy is not at present a 
member, but works on a salary. They sell their goods 
mostly in the South, and employ seven salesmen. 

We may refer here to the subsequent history of the 
buildings at Union where the business was carried on by 
Merrick Marcy. A store was kept there by several differ- 
ent persons, among them a Mr. Barrett and Mr. John 
Winch. It was while the latter was here that the build- 
ings were burned. This event, which changed the appear- 
ance of the center so much, took place on the night of Jan- 
uary 29th, 1881. The fire originated in the extreme north 
end, where a family by the name of Stone lived. The father 
was away at the time. It is supposed that the woman had 
been drinking with others who were there and that a lamp 
was upset. The fire was first discovered by Benjamin Case 
who lived in the next part. But it was too late to get the 
woman and the two children out from the burning rooms, 
and they all perished. The Case family barely escaped. 
The fire spread steadily southward towards the brick store. 
It was a bitterly cold night and the fire burned slowly. 
Hence it was possible to clear the store and the houses 
south of it of everything of value before the fire reached 
them. 

Mr. Winch continued his store for a short time in the 
Lindsey house, but soon removed to Mashapaug. Since 
then there has been no attempt to keep a store at Union. 
The growth of the neighboring villages of Southbridge 
and Stafford Springs, with their increasing market facili- 
ties, have rendered store-keeping in Union unprofitable. 

THE BUSINESS AT MASHAPAUG. 

Moses White had a store in Mashapaug village, some- 
where between the years 1820 and 1830. He was a native 
of Uxbridge, Mass., and had come to Union about 1812. 
He lived at first on the Dr. Hammond place where he was 
employed as a merchant in company with Pearl & Taintor, 
first as a clerk and afterwards as a partner. He removed to 



236 INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 

Westford not far from 1817. About the year 1827, Harvey 
Walker, of Westford, came to Mashapaug, and was employed 
as a clerk in Moses White's store there. He thus became 
established in the business which he afterwards carried on. 
In 1837 he entered into partnership with Judson Smith, 
forming the firm of Smith & Walker, which continued till 
1841. During this time they were engaged only in the 
store business; but soon after Mr. Walker began the man- 
ufacture of boots and shoes, in connection with his store. 
In 1846 he formed a partnership with Jared Sessions, who 
was then twenty-five years of age, and who had been 
engaged in the practical work of making shoes at his 
father's home in Union. The firm of Walker & Sessions 
started with a capital stock of $2,500. Their business was 
at first extremely limited, but it rapidly expanded and 
prospered under the new and united management. In 1851 
the firm became Walker, Sessions & Co., and the partners 
were Harvey Walker, J. D. vSessions and Lorenzo Morgan. 
In 1 85 3, Mr. Morgan went out and Alexander Sessions was 
taken in. The business went on increasing and the plans 
were enlarged. Mr. Jared Sessions, especially, became 
instrumental in forming firms at Fiskdale, Mass., and at 
Toronto, Canada. From 1856 to 1858 there were three dif- 
ferent firms with one capital. They were Walker, Sessions 
& Co., of Mashapaug; Sessions, Bates & Co., of Fiskdale, and 
Sessions, Carpenter & Co., of Toronto. The partners in 
these three firms were Harvey Walker, Jared Sessions, 
Alexander Sessions, E. L. Bates, Vernon E. Carpenter and 
William M. Corbin. From 1858 to Mr. Walker's death, 
March 4th, i860, the firm at Mashapaug was Walker, Cor- 
bin & Tourtellotte, Mr. Reed Tourtellotte having become 
a member. The business at Mashapaug under the leader- 
ship of Mr. Walker and Mr. Sessions was conducted in a 
thorough, energetic and business-like way, and met with 
deserved success. It may be remarked here that Walker &: 
Sessions made the first unlined brogans ever shipped to 
New York City. When the business was at its height in 
Union, it amounted to $75,000 or $100,000 annually, and 



DECLINE OF THE SHOE BUSINESS. 237 

Mashapaug- village became qiiite a thriving centre. In 
1857, a financial panic occurred throughout the country, 
which greatly embarrassed the firm, but through which by 
careful management it was able to pass. 

In 1856, Mr. Sessions removed to Toronto, Canada, and 
thereafter his business was mainly done there and in Bing- 
hamton, N. Y. 

In 1859, Mr. Walker began building the new store and 
shoe factory at Mashapaug. This was completed the fol- 
lowing year and was said to be the finest in Tolland county. 
About the time of Mr. Walker's death there was consider- 
able financial uncertainty owing to the disturbed condition 
of the South on the eve of the war. The goods were 
sold largely in New York and the South. Hence it hap- 
pened that there were many losses both at the beginning 
and throughout the war. Just after Mr. Walker's death 
there were large losses by the failure of firms in New 
York which did business in the South. But still the busi- 
ness went on at Mashapaug and was conducted from t86i 
to 1867 under the firm name of Corbin & Tourtellotte. In 
1867, by the addition of Mr. M. H. Kinney, it became Cor- 
bin, Tourtellotte & Co. But during these last years the 
business began to decline, owing to various causes. The 
character of the shoe manufacture was undergoing a great 
change. Hitherto one man had done all, or nearly all the 
work on a shoe. A large part of the work could be put 
out and done in the home. But many machines began to 
be invented to do the various parts of the work more easily 
and cheaply than it could be done by hand. This necessi- 
tated the concentration of the work in factories, and the 
division of labor. Each person was given a certain part of 
the work to do. He could thus acquire special skill in 
doing that particular thing, so that the shoe could be made 
much more quickly and economically than for one man to 
do the whole. In order to have this method work success- 
fully large factories were necessary. The large establish- 
ments could afford to introduce the best machinery, and 
consequently produce goods at a lower cost than the small 



238 INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. 

shops. They made competition so great and the profits so 
small, that they drove the smaller factories out of exist- 
ence. In order for the firm at Mashapaug to have gone on 
successfully Avith their business, it would have been neces- 
sary for them to have introduced new capital, made a larger 
plant, and secured the best machinery. But a decisive rea- 
son why this should not be done was the distance from rail- 
road. The cost of transportation and the uncertainty of 
securing laborers, would have seriously diminished the 
profits of the business, so that in all probability it would 
not have succeeded. Hence the firm at Mashapaug ceased 
the manufacture of shoes in 1871. Corbin & Kinney con- 
tinued the store business, however, for a number of years. 
But the diminishing population of the village and town, 
the loss of trade with those who worked for the firm before, 
and similar reasons caused the business to decline, and it 
was given up entirely in 1881. Mr. Corbin in that year 
removed to Hartford, where his family has since resided. 

Since that time Mr. John Winch has carried on a store 
on a small scale at Mashapaug, in connection with his other 
business. 

We may speak here of some of the other industries 
that have been carried on at Mashapaug. Perhaps the 
most important of these was the manufacture of axe-handles 
which was carried on quite extensively for a number of 
years. This was started by Mr. Josiah Leland, who with 
Jarvis Boies and a Mr. Carter, bought the Blanchard patent 
of a lathe for turning irregular surfaces, each owning a 
third. They licensed others besides themselves to use this 
patent and received a royalty for its use. Mr. Leland came 
to Union about 1845, and bought of the Quinnebaug Reser- 
voir Co. (now the Hamilton Woolen Co.), the water privi- 
lege at Mashapaug, and the house where he afterwards 
lived (now occupied by John Winch). Here he had his 
axe-handle factory and did quite a thriving business, giv- 
ing employment to a large number of men. 

Josiah Leland died in 1855, and the business fell into 
the hands of his sons George A., Henry J., and John Sher- 



OTHER INDUSTRIES AT MASHAPAUO. 239 

man. In 1856 the business was sold to Mr. A. E. Weld, 
who carried it on for a number of years till the buildings 
were burned. One of the shops was never rebuilt. The 
one which was rebuilt is now a grist-mill and bone factory 
and is owned and run by J. W. Winch. 

There was also at Mashapaug a mattress factory, started 
by Charles Collar and run for several years by Roscius 
Back and A. E. Weld, until the building was burned about 
1864. It was never rebuilt. 

Another industry which was carried on to a consider- 
able extent at Mashapaug was the manufacture of match- 
cards. This was started by Mr. Trask soon after Josiah 
Leland's death in 1854. The firm for awhile was Leland 
& Trask (George Leland), and afterwards Leland & Gilmore 
(J. S. Leland). 



CHAPTER VII. 
THE vSCHOOLS OF UNION. 

THE EARLY SCHOOLS THE SCHOOL SOCIETY— TEACHERS — PRES- 
ENT CONDITION OF SCHOOLS — THE SELECT SCHOOLS OF 
UNION — NAMES OF TEACHERS — LIST OF COLLEGE STUDENTS 
FROM UNION. 

ATTENTION seems to have been g'lv^en to educational 
matters quite early in the history of the town. The 
children of the early settlers learned to read, write 
and cipher, and some acquired a pretty fair education for 
those days. The schools were held in private houses. 
Phebe Lawson, a dauj^hter of the pioneer settler, is said to 
have taught school summer and winter till she was fifty 
years of age. Text-books were scarce, and the teacher 
was compelled to give oral lessons in such subjects as 
arithmetic, or have the rules written out for the scholars' 
use. The compiler has several such home-made text-books 
which have been handed down from early times. One of 
these is a treatise on geometry and surveying, written by 
Robert Paul, Sr., which is very good, and shows its author 
to have been a man of education and ability. 

The first school-house in town was built in the "meet- 
ing-house district," in 1772. The money to build it with 
was raised by subscription in the district and put into 
the hands of Thomas Lawson and John Sessions, who had 
charge of building it. It stood on the summit of the hill 
just northwest of the old meeting-house. It stood here 
till after 1800. Then a second school-house was built on 
the south road to the southwest of where the present 
school-house stands. This had a four-sided roof. The 
present school-house in the center district was built about 
1846. In the east district (No. 2), which used to be called 
the "over Bigelow district," the first school-house stood a 



SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOLS. 241 

few feet sovithwest of the barn on the Benjamin Corbin 
place. A second was built in 18 19, on the site of the pres- 
ent one. It was used till i860, when it was taken down and 
set up as a dwelling house northeast of Fayette Crawford's, 
where it now stands. The present school-house was built 
that same year. The oldest school-house now standing in 
town is the so-called Foster school-house in the southwest 
district (No. 3). It is now no longer used. It was built in 
1799. In it may be seen a remnant of the old plan of hav- 
ing the desks run right round against the wall. At these 
the older scholars sat with their faces away from the rest 
of the school. Inside and one step below were benches for 
the younger scholars. The first school-house in Masha- 
paug (District No. 4), was built shortly after the Revolu- 
tion. It was set on fire by a tramp about 1800, and burned 
to the ground. A new school-house was built which stood 
till 1 86 1, when it was taken down (after a vain attempt to 
move it whole), and set up as a tenement house on the 
Benj. Stone place. The present school-house was built in 
1861, by John Stetson. It is a very pretty one and William 
M. Corbin spared no pains to make it one of the best that 
could be found in any country place. 

The schools were at first supported by taxes levied on 
the inhabitants. As it was difficult to get money in those 
days, teachers were mostly paid in boards, etc., which they 
sold at Windham and elsewhere. But in 1796, the town 
received in common with the other towns of Connecticut, 
interest from a fund for education, derived from the sale 
of the western lands belonging to the state. For the pur- 
pose of receiving and disposing of the money that was 
received, a school society was formed in town in 1796. This 
society continued in existence for over sixty years. It was 
separate from the town and had its own officers, although 
every citizen who could vote in town meeting could also 
vote in the meetings of the school society. In 1820, the 
money received from the above source by the different dis- 
tricts, and the number of children between the ages of 
four and sixteen in each, is shown in the following table: 
16 



242 



THE SCHOOLS OF UNION. 









NUMBER OP 


AMOUNT RECEIVED 








PERSONS. 


PROM STATE. 


District 


No. 


I 


61 


$49.10 






2 


66 


53-13 






3 


42 


33-81 






4 


35 


28.17 






5 


18 


15-59 






6 


43 


34.61 



This table shows that the number of schohirs in that 
period was much larger than now. The town was more 
thickly inhabited and the families were larger. The old 
school-houses were crowded at times, and the teacher had 
his hands full. The boys and girls used to attend district 
school longer in those days when their education was com- 
pleted in them, than now. The young men worked on the 
farm in summer and went to school in winter. A male 
teacher was usually employed in winter and a female in 
summer. The wages were about forty dollars in winter, 
and twenty in summer. The teacher " boarded round," 
dividing his time among the families of the district in pro- 
portion to the number of scholars which each sent. 

Among the teachers of the early part of the century, one 
of the best was Ingoldsby W. Crawford. He was after- 
wards for many years a school visitor and ably fulfilled the 
duties of the office. 

Among the teachers between 1830 and i860, were the 
following: 

Sullivan Booth, 

Isaac B. *' 

Elam C. " 

John O. 

Mason Coburn, 

Benjamin Corbin, 

David P. 

Charlotte J. 

Mary 

Elvira 

Rebecca 



Trenck Crawford 


Calista 


u 


Daniel T. 


n 


Logan 


il 


Ossian 


i( 


Alonzo 


IC 


Bert 


a 


Ossian T. 


(t 


Wm. M. 


i( 


Marcia 


a 


Harriet 


u 



I 



NAMES OF TEACHERS. 243 

Susan E. Crawford, Adaline Paul, 

Mary Foster, Marvin K. " 

Charles Hammond, Moses W. " 

Francis " Sarah A. " 

Samuel " R. Bruce " 

Thomas Holman, Liberty " 

Miranda Houghton, Marcia Ruby, 

Ann E. Kinney, Nathaniel Sessions, 

Lovisa Lawson, Chloe '' 

Paul C. " Maria 

Edwin N. " Edwin W. Upham, 

Minerva " Jonathan C. " 

Sam. Whiton Moore, Sarah E. " 

E. Morris " Mary E. Wales, 

Caroline S. Newell, Celinda 

There is one young man who taught in town early in 
the ^century, who deserves mention here. This was Will- 
iam Earned Marcy, of Southbridge, who came to Union to 
teach in what has been known as the Foster School Dis- 
trict. Near the school-house was the residence of Mr. 
Edward Foster, the father of Eleazar Foster, who gradua- 
ted from Yale college in 1802, with high rank, and who 
afterwards became a successful and highly esteemed law- 
yer in New Haven. Young Marcy, while pursuing his 
career as a teacher in Union and residing in the family of 
Mr. Edward Foster, and hearing the father speak with 
honest pride of the success of his son, although before 
unambitious, then first received that impulse and formed 
those purposes, which made him what he afterwards 
became. After finishing his school, he commenced a course 
of study, and in 1808 was graduated as one of the alumni 
of Brown University. Such was the first chapter in the 
history of that jurist and statesman, who afterwards 
became Governor of New York, and the Secretary of State 
in the Cabinet of President Pierce, in 1853. 

Probably there has been no other teacher in town who 
has done so much for the cause of education here as Miss 
Sarah A. Paul. A superb teacher herself, she also had the 



244 ^^^ SCHOOLS OF UNION. 

power of interesting others in the improvement of the 
schools. It was due to her efforts and the interest which 
she awakened that the school libraries were purchased, 
which m.ost of the districts now have. We have already- 
given a sketch of her life and her qualities as a teacher 
among the biographies. To this sketch the reader is here 
referred. 

Rev. vSamuel I. Curtis was for many years a school vis- 
itor, and took an active interest in the schools. From 1876 
to 1878, Rev. J. P. Watson had charge of the schools in 
Union. (See sketch of his life in the church history). 
Probably the town never had a school visitor who labored 
so thoroughly to improve the condition of the schools in 
town as he. The report of his first year's work which he 
presented at town-meeting and which was afterwards pub- 
lished, is very thorough and lengthy, and indicates the 
character of his work. 

At the present time the number of pupils in the schools 
is small. But nevertheless they deserve the careful atten- 
tion and interest of all good citizens. For in order that 
the town may continue to raise up valuable citizens, the 
proper education of the youth must be attended to. Care 
should be taken that the money raised for this purpose is 
applied so as to secure the best possible results. The 
improved methods of education which are in vogue in other 
places should be introduced and every effort made to raise 
the standard of our schools. 

THE SELECT SCHOOLS OF UNION. 

The select schools which began in 1850, were very val- 
uable to the young people in town. In that year David 
Corbin and Ossian T. Crawford visited every family in 
town, and ascertained the number of scholars which could 
be gathered for a school of higher grade than the ordinary 
district schools. The efforts of these young men and of 
others were successful. The first teacher was Mr. Luther 
White of the Theological Seminary at East Windsor. The 
school was held in the center school-house, which was new 



THE SELECT SCHOOLS. 245 

and furnished a pleasant room for study and recitation. 
Mr. White was deeply interested in his scholars and spared 
no pains to qualify himself to do his best for them. Other 
able teachers followed Mr. White, some being more suc- 
cessful than others. Henrj^ Pratt, also of the seminary at 
East Windsor, taught in the fall of 1852. He was a man of 
talents but had much more of a worldly mind than Mr. 
AVhite. He did not take so lively an interest in the welfare 
bf his school as either of them, but was popular with his 
scholars. He was ordained at Dudley, Mass., in 1859, and 
became an able, popular and successful pastor. He at 
length turned his attention to secular in addition to his 
pastoral duties. He went into speculation on a large scale, 
became involved, involved others, resigned his pastorate, 
signed over, and was able to pay but a small amount on the 
dollar. 

James T. Ford, also from East Windsor Seminary, 
taught here two seasons, in 1852 and 1853. He had taught 
the classical department there for two or three years, and 
was an accomplished teacher. He consecrated all his pow- 
ers to the good of the school, and exerted a healthful 
moral and religious influence upon the people of the place. 
His winning ways made him many friends, and rendered 
him so popular that in his second term he had sixty or 
more pupils. He was ordained the pastor of a feeble 
church in Stowe, Vt., in 1857, and continued there till 
1869. 

Henry M. Parsons, from East Windsor, taught here one 
term. He was popular with all classes of society, was 
easy and fluent in personal conversation, a ready and elo- 
quent speaker, graceful in manner and a man of power 
over the minds of others. He was ordained and installed 
pastor of the First Congregational church in Springfield 
in 1854. 

Edwin Hall, also from the East Windsor (now Hart- 
ford) Seminary, taught here one fall. He was refined in 
his manners and a gentleman in deportment. He took a 
lively interest in the moral questions of the day, was devo- 



246 THE SCHOOLS OF UNION. 

ted and faithful to his school, but not decidedly popular 
with his pupils. After he graduated from East Windsor, 
he settled at New Hartford, where he was pastor for four- 
teen years. 

Henry J. Bruce, of Amherst, taught here in the fall of 
1858. He was a man of great abilities, precise in all his 
ways and movements, a thorough and successful teacher. 
He afterwards became a missionary of the American Board 
and is now doing missionary service in the Marathi Mission" 
in Western India. 

Other teachers were Henry B. Ruggles, John O. Barrows, 
for a short time missionary to Turkey, George Goodell, from 
Amherst, a Mr. Spaulding, John O. Booth, Mrs. Wheeler, 
(daughter of Mrs. Rev. S. I. Curtiss), Sarah C. Paul, and 
others. 

In 1881, a new set of young people having grown up, the 
select school was revived for one term. Deacon E. N. Law- 
son went ahead in the matter, found about fifteen scholars 
who would attend, and secured the services of Mr. Arthur 
C. Barrows, who had just completed the Freshman year at 
Brown University, as a teacher. Although Mr. Barrows 
was quite young, he took hold of the work with energy and 
aroused the enthusiasm of his pupils. Several of them 
continued their education, and have since graduated from 
higher institutions. . 

Mr. Barrows was so well liked that he was induced to 
remain and teach the district school during the winter and 
spring terms, at- the same time having pupils in the higher 
studies of Latin, Algebra, Geometry, etc. 

After graduating from Brown University, Mr. Barrows 
becaine a teacher in the Providence High School. He is 
now the principal of one of the public schools of Provi- 
dence. He married Miss Ella Corbin, one of his old pupils 
at Union, and hence can look back on his career here as 
marking an important epoch in his life. 

In recent times many of the young people of Union have 
attended the Hitchcock Free High School at Brimfield, 
Mass. At one time there were nine pupils from Union in 



STUDENTS FROM UNION. 



H7 



attendance there. Those who have graduated there from 
this town are: 



Harlow Back m i8 

Lucy Horton " 

George N. Lawson " ' 
Hartley R. Walker " ' 
Harvey M. Lawson " i8i 
Harry E. Back " 1888 

A list of the persons from Union, who have received a 
liberal education is as follows: 



Herbert D. Smith in 1888 
Lilian Booth " " 

Lucy " " 1889 

Olin " " 1890 

Susie M. Lawson " 1892 



NAME. 


INSTITUTION ATTENDED. 


YEAR OF 
GRADUATION. 


Jonathan Badger, 
Eleazer Foster, 


Nassau Hall (Princeton), 
Yale College, 


I75I 
1802 


Rinaldo Burleigh, 
Thomas Holman, 


Madison University, 


1803 

1838 


Charles Hammond, 


Yale College, 

Andover Theological Seminary, 

Yale " " 


1839 

1844 


Justus V. Lawson, 


Madison University, died Aug. 12, 
1S54., during his Sophomore year. 




George Curtiss, 


Amherst, 

Andover Theological Seminary, 


i860 
1863 


David Corbin, 
Silas Foster Lindsey, 
Henry Severy, 
Samuel I. Curtiss, 


Brown University, 
Yale Medical School, 

Amherst, 


i860 
1867 



Charles Morse, 

Nathan Morse, 
Merritt Walker, 
William Herbert Corbin, 
R. Harlow Back, 
George N. Lawson, 

Harvey M. Lawson, 



Ernest E. Severy, 
Harry E. Back, 



Union Theological Seminary, 1870 

Amherst, 1872 

Yale Theological Seminary, 1875 
Amherst, 

Yale University, 1889 

Boston " Law Department, 1889 

Yale University, 1890 

" Medical School. 1892 
Yale University, Sheffield Scientific 

School, 1890 

Yale Divinity School, 1893 
Yale University, Sheffield Scientific 

School, 1890 

Boston University, 1892 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE CEMETERIES OF UNION. 

THE OLD CEMETERY — THE NORTH CEMETERY — THE NEW CEME- 
TERY THE EAST CEMETERY. 

TO the antiquarian the " old burying ground " at Union 
is a more interesting spot than any other in town. 
For there, 

" Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, 
Each in his narrow cell forever laid, 
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

This is the spot which the first settlers selected as a 
place in which to bury their dead. It was originally a part 
of the ten acres reserved for public uses. The first person 
ever buried in it was William Ward, Sr., who died June 8th, 
1731. His remains rest near the centre of the yard, but 
the grave is marked by no stones. This is the case with 
a great many, perhaps the majority of graves in this yard. 
Almost every spot in the yard is occupied by a grave 
and one can hardly step without treading on one. Yet 
there are very many of these which are marked by no 
stone, and hence it is impossible to tell who sleeps beneath. 
It would be impossible to tell how many people lie buried 
in the yard; but as it was the only burial place in town for 
over a hundred years, during which time the population of 
town averaged about six hundred, there are probably not less 
than fifteen hundred graves in the yard. When we think of 
it we see that those who are living in town now are but few 
compared with the number of those who have been before 
them, and whose bodies now rest in this and the other ceme- 
teries in town. The first grave-stones, where there were 
any, were often common, rude stone, with the letters cut 
into the smooth side. A few are of slate or schist, and 
some of sandstone. It is not until the beginning of the 
present century that marble seems to have been used. 



THE CEMETERIES OF UNION. 249 

Some of the noteworthy graves in the old cemeter}^ are 
the following: that of John Lawson, one of the very earli- 
est settlers. This is situated on the east side, a little north 
of the middle. Near by lies Capt. Thomas Lawson of Rev- 
olutionary fame. A little to the southeast is the head- 
stone which marks the grave of Rev. Ebenezer Wyman, 
the first settled pastor of the church at Union. On it is 
the quaint inscription, beginning, 

" Lo, here the sacred dust of Wyman lies." 

Near by are the graves of the Wales family. Here lie Dea. 
Ebenezer Wales, the father of eighteen children; Deborah 
Wales, to whose patriotism in the Revolution we have 
referred, and Capt. Solomon Wales, a man whose abilities 
and public services are mentioned in the inscription on his • 
grave-stone. South from the centre of the yard is the 
grave of Rev. Ezra Horton. This is covered by the large 
tablet on which is inscribed an account of his life. North- 
west of this is a granite monument which marks the grave 
of another pastor of the church in Union, Rev. S. I. Cur- 
tiss. His wife and daughter who were killed by lightning 
and also his second wife lie beside him. Just north is the 
lot of the Armour's, where lie the ancestors of P. D. Armour 
of Chicago. Many other interesting graves might be men- 
tioned, but these are among the most noteworthy. 

The old cemetery becoming very much crowded, the 
town decided in 1844, to lay out a new one. Hence the 
land on which the north one is situated was bought of 
Paul Kinney at that time. It is a curious circumstance 
that his son Joseph Kinney, who died June 17, 1844, was 
the first to be buried in the new yard. 

Among the prominent, persons buried here are Chauncey 
Paul, Merrick Marcy, Augustus Moore, William Foster, 
Harvey Walker, Dr. Shubael Hammond, David Lawson, etc. 

The north cemetery having become pretty well filled 
up during the forty years in which it has been used as a 
burial place, a movement was started about the year 1885, 
to establish a new one. Lyman Moore, who was specially 
interested in the matter, presented to the town for this 



25° 



THE CEMETERIES OF UNION. 



purpose, a piece of land north of and adjoining- the old 
burying-ground. This has been prepared at a considerable 
outlay of labor and expense to be the future burial place 
of the residents of the town. It hardly seems as though so 
large a tract was needed at present. With the town as 
sparsely inhabited as it is, it will be sufficient for its needs 
for over a hundred years. 

THE EAST CEMETERY OF UNION. 

After the old burying-ground had been in use a hundred 
years, it became so fully occupied that it was impossible 
to find any space large enough for a family lot, that was not 
taken up. This difficulty, together with a desire to have 
.their friends buried nearer home, led a number of the 
inhabitants of the east part of the town in 1835, to estab- 
lish a private cemetery there. The land for this purpose 
was given by Joanna and Mary Sessions, and the Sessions 
family was the one principally interested in the undertak- 
ing. Those interested formed themselves into the " East- 
ern Cemetery Association," and the names of the original 
proprietors were, William P. Sessions, Thomas Holman, 
Samuel Crawford, Paul Lawson, Abijah vSessions, Benjamin 
Corbin, Nehemiah Houghton, Isaiah Hiscox, George Leon- 
ard, Walter Lyon, Silas P. Allen. The lirst person buried 
in the yard was Salem Holman, who died at Hartford, 
August 13th, 1835. The bodies of Abijah Sessions, vSr., and 
one or two of his family were removed from the old ceme- 
tery at Union and re-interred here. 

A constitution was adopted April 30, 1853, and the 
Association has regular officers elected by the members. 
Besides the original proprietors the owners of shares or 
half shares have been John S. Estabrooks, I. W. Crawford, 
Orrin Lyon ^, Edwin N. Lawson, Lucius A. Corbin, Will- 
iam P. Chamberlain, Alexander H. Sessions, Cyprian S. 
Lyon, Gurdon A. Chaffee, Oliver M. Angell >^, and Asa 
Putnam. 

It is interesting to note the advanced age of many of 
the persons buried in this yard, and it is an indication of 



THE EAST CEMETERY. 251 

the healthful nature of the locality, and the regular habits 
of the people. Some of the ages are as follows: George 
Leonard, 84; Daniel Leonard, 69; wife, 83; Silas Allen, 72; 
Experience Allen, 86; Abijah Sessions, Sr., 91; wife, 91; 
Mary Sessions, 74; Joanna, 91; William P., 81; ist wife, 59, 
2nd, 74; Sarah Griggs, 87; Lyman Sessions, 87; Abijah 
Sessions, Jr., 86; David Corbin, 75; wife, 84; Benjamin Cor- 
bin, 85; Samuel Crawford, 79; wife, 70; Paul Lawson, 82; 
wife, 88; Nehemiah Houghton, 84; wife, 83; John Crawford, 
85; wife, 75; Trenck Crawford, 83; I. W. Crawford, 81; wife, 
71; Asa Putnam, 87; Th. Holman, 82; wife, 88; Lavinia H, 
Carpenter, 78. 

The number of graves in the yard September 18th, 1892, 
was 131. 



CHAPTER IX. 

GENEALOGIEvS OF THE FAMILIES. 

THE plan followed in the following lists is to trace out 
all those of one generation before going on to the 
next. For instance, in a family where there are several 
brothers and sisters, the children of the first are given, then 
of the second, and so on through to the youngest. Then 
the children of the children of the first, the children of the 
children of the second, and so on down. 

The abbreviations used are as follows: b., born; m., married; d., died; 
ch., children. 

THE ABBE FAMILY. 

Gideon Abbe, of Windham, bought land of Nathaniel 
Badger, Jr., March 19, 1742. This land was on the west 
side of town, bounded on the town line, and north on land 
of William Ward, and contained one hundred acres. He 

married Keziah , and had one child born in Union, 

viz.: Mary, born September 4, 1743. 

John Abbe, son of John Abbe, of Windham, was born 
April 20, 1691, and died January 16, 1770. In 1752, he 
bought land in Union of Nathaniel Gould, which was the 
homestead of said Gould; it was bounded west on Col. 
Fitche's land, south on James McNall's, east on William 
Gould's, and north on Vendue land, so-called. He also 
bought land of Nath. Walker and Joshua Webb. 

John Abbe married, ist, Mary Bingham, November 7, 
1717. She died July 23, 1722; 2nd, Mary Palmer, March 12, 
1723, who died November 30, 1750; 3d, Widow Abigail 
Ripley, April 23, 1751, who died October 16, 1766; 4th, 
Sarah Dodge, April 8, 1767; she died April 11, 1776. 
Ch. T. John, b. July 4, 1722. 

2. Hannah, b. September 17, 1724; m. Joshua Webb. 

3. Mary, b. September 10, 1726. 



TEE ABBOTT FAMILIES. 253 

4. Elizabeth, b. September 16, 1728; m. Jesse Ward, 

May 22, 1754. 

5. Richard, b. July i, 1730. 

6. Eunice, b. August 20, 1732. 

7. Tabitha, b, September 16, 1736. 

THE ABBOTT FAMILIES. 

The Abbott families came from Pomfret and Ashford, 
and were the descendants of George Abbott, of Andover, 
the first comer from Yorkshire, in England, about 1640. 
Caleb Abbott, of Pomfret, bought land of Elisha Loomis, 
of Windsor, in Union, June 22, 1749, and moved to Union 
not long afterwards. He lived in the old red house which 
stood until it was burned a few years ago, south of the 
center school-house. He was born in Andover, Mass., in 
1704; went to Pomfret in 1726; to Union in 1749, and died 
at Union, January 31, 1778, aged 74. He was the eleventh 
child of William Abbott of Andover, who was born Novem- 
ber II, 1657, and died October 21, 1713. The grandfather of 
Caleb, of Union, was George Abbott, of Andover, who emi- 
grated from Yorkshire, England, about the year 1640, and 
was one of the first settlers of Andover. He married 
Hannah Chandler. 

Caleb Abbott, of Andover and Union, married Eliza- 
beth Paine, December 3, 1730. 

Ch. I. Caleb, b. September 9, 1731. 

Elizabeth, b. March 12, 1733; d. October 31, 

1742. 
Hannah, b. October 27, 1734; d. April 19, 1813; 

m. John Hendricks, 1761. 
Sarah, b. July 6, 1736; m. Jonathan Burke, 
November 11, 1754; d. November 12, 1761. 

5. Mary, b. March 21, 1739; m. John Capen, of 

Hartland, Vt.; d. in Scipio, N. Y. 

6. Samuel, b. March 4, 1743; d. September 25, 1826. 

7. William, b. October — , 1745; d. July 25, 1832. 

Caleb Abbott, son of Caleb of Union, served as waiter 
to General Putnam, in the war of the Revolution; lost a 



254 



GENEALOGIES. 



leg by hazardously mounting a breastwork, and died in 
consequence, January 3, 1778. He married Margaret Paul, 
daughter of Robert Paul, Sr., and had no children. She 
died January 11, 1806. 

Samuel Abbott, son of Caleb of Union, married Rachel 
Ward, January 11, 1770, and moved to Windsor, Vt. She 
died October 15, 1774. 

Ch. I. vSarah, b. April 12, 1771; died July 3, 1772. 

2. Sarah, b. April 15, 1773; m. December 3, 1795, 

Caleb Hendrick, son of John Hendrick, and 

Hannah, his wife. 

Samuel Abbott moved from Windsor, Vt., to Hartland, 

Vt., in 1778. He was much esteemed for his moral and 

religious character; both he and all his descendants were 

Baptists. 

William Abbott, son of Caleb of Union, moved in 1792, 
to Cambridge, Wash. Co., N. Y., and in 1799, to Clinton, 
Oneida Co., N. Y. He lived in Union on the place where 
Jesse Hall afterwards did. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 
He married the first time, Mary Coye, probably a daughter 
of Nehemiah Coye, November 15, 1770. She died Decem- 
ber 10, 1776, aged 25 He married the second time, Esther 
Green, of Willington, Conn. She died in Clinton, N. Y., 
December 23, 1839, aged 86. 

Ch. I. Caleb, b. February 4, 1774, settled in Colden, 
N. Y. 

2. Neheiniah, b. May 20, 1776; d. September 25, 

1776. 

3. Mary, b. August — , 1779; never married. 

4. Nehemiah, b. June 4, 1781; m. Esther Baker; 

lived at Clinton, N. Y. 

5. Paul, born March 7, 1783; d. much respected 

March 19, 1831, at Lowville. 

6. Esther, b. October 4, 1784; in. Elisha Wakelee. 

7. Orinda, b. May i, 1786; m. Joel Hubbard. 

8. Samuel, b. July 18, 1789. 

9. William, b. December 2, 1792; d. in Clinton, 

N. Y., October 2, 1819. 



ABBOTT-ALLEN. 255 

Nathan Abbott, of Union, was the son of Nathan, of 
Ashford, and the grandson of Paul Abbott, of Pomfret, who 
was a brother of Caleb, Sr., of Union. He married Judith 
Stoddard, of Woodstock. 

Ch. I. Elbe, baptized April i, 1770. 

2. Hannah, baptized July 12, 1772. 

3. Willard, b. April 20, 1774. 

4. Harvey, b. September 8, 1778. 

5. Sally, b. January 12, 1772. 

Samuel Abbott was not a near relative of Caleb, though 
thought to be a descendant of George, of Andover. He 
afterwards moved to Ashford. He lived near Howard's 
mills, was colonel of the militia, was very patriotic and per- 
formed important services in the Revolution. He married 
Elizabeth Moore, of Union, October 29, 1766. 

Ch. I. Chloe. 

2. Sarah. 

3. Laura. 

4. Sarah. 

5. Joseph. 

6. William. 



William Allen bought land in Union of Elisha Sprague, 
October 22, 1755. This was situated northwest of the Rus- 
sel James place. He was a Revolutionary soldier. He 

married Sybil . 

Ch. I. Elisha, b. May 13, 1761. 

2. Hannah, baptized September 23, 1766. 

3. Reuben, baptized August 2, 177 1. 

4. John, baptized August 2, 177 1. 

Silas Allen came from Mansfield to Union. He bought 
of Stephen Paine the Dorsett place (afterwards called the 
McQuade place, southeast of Thomas Rindge's). He mar- 
ried Mary Leonard, daughter of Daniel. He died January 
8, 1883, aged 71. 

Ch. I. Edward. 
2. Melvm. 



256 



GENEALOGIES. 



Catherine; m. James Tatem. 

Elizabeth; m. Calvin Arnold. 

Henry. 

Halsey. 

Charles M.: lives at Putnam. 



Oliver M. Angell came from Pomfret to Union, about 
1840, and worked at George Leonard's. He married 
Cemantha Houghton, daughter of Nehemiah, November 
21, 1852. They had no children. They lived near North 
Ashford a while, afterwards at Walter Lyon's and Benja- 
min Corbin's and lastly at the place east of Willis Howard's. 
He was a faithful member of the Baptist church at North 
Ashford, and was chosen deacon about 1872. He died 
March 31, 1887, aged 66. 



Lester Anderson came to L^nion from Willington and 
lived on the Abner Howard place (the second house south 
of Kinney's mills). He married Polly Howard, daughter 
of Abner Howard, August 3, 181 7. The Anderson family 
were Adventists. 

Ch. I. Abner Howard, b. September 16, 1818. 

2. Abigail Apama, b. , 1822; d. May 21, 1841. 

3. Ira Willard, b. March 16, 1824. 

4. Roxie Alice, b. July 4, 1826. 

5. Thomas Albury Philander, b. August 14, 1830; 

drowned at Woodstock Valley. 



THE ARMOUR FAMILY. 

James Armour, the first comer, was a native of Ireland 
and one of the Scotch-Irish emigrants. He came first to 
Philadelphia. He was among the early settlers of Union. 
He lived where Major Smith now does. He was called 
the "bog-trotter," possibly in allusion to the north of Ire- 
land whence he came. His father was a sailor and was 
probably lost at sea, because the family tradition is that 



THE ARMOUR FAMILY. 



257 



James never saw him. James Armour was an eccentric 
man in some respects. He was very healthy and attrib- 
uted it to his baptism. He was accustomed to say, " I was 
born on Sunday morning, baptized before eight o'clock, 
and the devil a bit of any disease would never light upon 
me." He married Margaret Anderson, the daughter of Will- 
iam Anderson, who came from England previous to 1720, 
and married at Greenwich, Mass., a daughter of Samuel 
Nevins, who was afterwards a land proprietor and settler 
in Union, but soon moved to Palmer. William Anderson's 
health having failed, he returned to England and died 
soon after arriving. His daughter Margaret was born 
after he sailed, so never saw him. His widow married a 
Thompson, who treated her cruelly. William Anderson 
had bought three several tracts of land in Union, but never 
occupied them. They fell to his daughter Margaret, who 
occupied them when she married James Armour. Their 
children were : 

Ch. I. Mary, b. June i, 1754; m. Ephraim Rice of 
Montague, Mass. 

2. James, b. April 4, 1756. (See below). 

3. Jean or Jane, b. March 2, 1758; m. Barker, went 

to Genesee, N. Y., and died October 12, 1828. 

4. Martha, b. July 16, 1760; m. Job Ransom at 

North Colerain, Mass. 

5. David, b. November 12, 1761; m. Salome New- 

comb April 6, 1794; went to Genesee, N. Y. 

6. John, b. February 25, 1765. (See next page.) 

7. Margaret, b. May 28, 1767; m. Lyman Isbell; 

went to Genesee, then to Illinois. 

8. Robert, b. August 7,1771; m. but died a Shaker. 
Margaret, wife of James Armour, died November 20, 

1775, aged 55. He married, second, Mrs. Hannah McNeil, 
December 17, 1777. 

James Armour, son of James, married Eunice Arnold, 
October 18, 1776. 

Ch. I. Sally, b. March 19, 1777; m. Charles Martin 
June 24, 1804; died at West Stafford. 
17 



^58 



GENEALOGIES. 



2. James, b. December 26, 17 78. 

3. Lvman, b. January 24, 1781; died j^oung. 

4. John, b. May 12, 1783; d. Aiigtist 3, 1783. 

5. William, b. June 24, 1784; died young. 

6. Charles, b. July 12, 1787; went to sea. 

7. Ira, b. March 24, 1789; had bone disease in a 

leg; it was amputated several times, but he 
never recovered. 

8. Arnold, b. July 17, 1791; went to Wisconsin; 

died at Milwaukee. 

9. Samuel, b. October 8, 1794; d. 1802. 

10. Maria, b. July 2, iSoi; went to Genesee county, 

N. Y. 

James Armour died October 12, 1S28, and was buried at 

his own request by the roadside in a corner between the 

Cleveland and the Major Smith place (formerly the old 

Armour homestead). 

John Armour, son of James, Sr., married Sarah Preston 
of Ashford (b. March 22, 1767), September 10, 1792. 

Ch. I. Preston, b. August 15, 1793; d. April 25, 1879, 
at Morrisville, N. Y. 

2. Patty, b. November 22, 1794; d. April 9, 1878, at 

Madison, N. Y. 

3. Polly, b. October 24, 1796; m. Chauncey Paul; 

d. August 25, 1883. (See Paul family). 

4. Danforth, b. January 5, 1799; d. September i, 

1873, at Woodstock, 111. 

5. Almira, b. ]May 14, 1801. 

6. Lyman, b. April 27,, 1803; d. May 12, 18S2, at 

Smithfield, N. Y. 

7. Volney, b. June 11, 1805. 

8. John, b. June 5, 1807; d. October 9, 1872, in 

Oswego county, N. Y. 

9. Laura, b. June 20, 181 1; d. July 8, 1883, at 

Wampsville, N. Y. 
John Armour moved to Smithfield, N. Y., in 1820, where 
he died April, 1849. Sarah P. Armour, his wife, died Sep- 
tember 30, 1847. 



THE ARMOUR FAMILY. 



259 



Preston Armour, son of John, lived at Smithficld, N. Y. 
He married Betsey Brown, and died April 25, 1879, at Mor- 
ris ville, N. Y. 

Ch. I. Virgil Maro, b. November 13, 1818. 

2. Esther, b. December 13, 1820. 

3. Lucien Bonaparte, b. December i, 1822; m. 

Lydia P. Townsend October 20, 1859. 

4. William Wallace, b. June 9, 1826; d. February 

14, 1844. 

5. Volney, b. August 4, 1829. 

Patty Armour, daughter of John, married Stoddard 
Washburn, December 19, 1813. He died November 17, 
1865. 

Ch. I. Ramson A., b. April 28, 1814, at Colerain, Mass, 

2. George Winslow, b. July 11, 1816, at Colerain, 

Mass. 

3. Daniel Willis, b. July 25, 1822, at Colerain, 

Mass. 

4. Lydia Sophia, b. December 19, 1825, at Colerain, 

Mass. 

5. Edwin Ruthven, b. May 11, 1828, at Greenfield, 

Mass. 

6. Sarah Ann, b. July 15, 1830, at Greenfield, Mass. 

7. Andrew Jackson, b. vSeptember 15, 1832, at 

Smithfield, N. Y. 

8. Marthnett, b. July 15, 1836, at Madison, N. Y.; 

d. August 13, 1863, at Madison, N. Y. 

9. Mary Rosette, b. July 29, 1839, at Oriskany 

Falls, N. Y.; d. July 19, 1845. 

Danforth Armour, son of John, married Julia Brooks 
■of Ashford, November 27, 1825. He went to Smithfield, 
N. Y., and afterwards to Wisconsin. He died at Wood- 
stock, 111., September i, 1873. 

Ch. I. Simeon Brooks, b. February i, 1828. 

2. Andrew Watson, b. January 27, 1829. 

3. Lucy Maria, b. vSeptember 19, 1830; m. Wm. S. 

Burleson; d. April 8, 1861. 



2 6o GENEALOGIES. 



Philip Danforth, b. May i6, 1832. 
Marietta, b. November 27, 1833. 
Charles Eugene, b. September 10, 1835. 
Herman Ossian, b. March 8, 1837. 
Joseph Francis, b. August 29, 1842. 



Almira Armour, daughter of John, married Absalom 
Gregg, February 11, 1821. She died in Stockbridge, N. Y., 
in 1892, aged 91. 

Ch. I. David, b. December 6, 1821. 

2. John, b. April 11, 1824. 

3. Caroline, b. September 19, 1830; d. December 5, 

1830. 

4. Emeline, b. Aug. 13, 1834. 

LvMAN Armour, son of John, lived in Smithfield, N. Y, 
He married Julia Bishop of Smithfield, April 27, 1828. 
Ch. I. Alonzo Zelotes, b. April 26, 1829. 

2. Emily Sophia, b. February i, 1834; died Sep- 

tember 12, 1834. 

3. Sarah Charlotte, b. May 2, 1838. 

4. Austin Bishop, b. November 21, 1843; d. Octo- 

ber 13, 1844. 

VoLNEY Armour, son of John, married Sophia Bishop of 
Smithfield, May 12, 1835. They had no children. 

John Armour, son of John, married Caroline Matthew- 
son of Smithfield, July 29, 1830. 

Ch. I. Sally Ann, b. August 20, 1831; d. April 4, 1832. 



Luzett, b. May 12, 1834. 
Omer Eugene, b. September 14, 1837. 
Oscar Danforth, b. November 2, 1839. 
Orville Preston, b. November 2, 1839. 



Laura Armour, daughter of John, married Orange 
Bridge, July 29, 1830. 

Ch. I. Almira, b. November 26, 1831. 

2. Sarah Jane, b. June 14, 1835. 

3. Infant son, b. November 28, 1838; d. December 

7, 1838. 




Mr. Danforth Armour. 




Mrs. Danforth Armour. 



THE ARMOUR FAMILY. 261 

4. Ralph Ellenwood, b. November 4, 1839. 

5. Laura Maria, b. March 8, 1842; d. June 17, i860. 

6. William Lewes, b. September 17, 1844. 

7. Emma Sophia, b. April u, 1850; d. March 2, 

1874. 

Virgil Maro Armour, son of Preston, married, first, 
Mary Baylis, January 7, 1846, at Smithfield, N. Y.; second, 
Wealthy Jane Reeve, March 27, 1870. 

Ch. I. William Wallace, b. Sept. 25, 1847; d. February 
5, i860. 

2. Esther Eliza, b. Sept. 12, 1848. 

3. Isabel Baylis, b. December 5, 1850; d. June 7 

1885. 

4. Mary Elizabeth, b. March 9, 1855. 

5. Adelphia Jane, b. September 20, 1857; d. March 

10, 1863. 

6. Minnie Blanche, b. September 30, 1859; d. June 



I, i; 



7. Virg-il Maro, b. April 2, 187 1. 

8. John, b. May 8, 1874. 

VoLNEY Armour, son of Preston, married Lucinda 
Wheeler Clock, January 20, 1856. 

Ch. I. Preston G., 1?. November 8, 1856, at Mt. Carroll, 
111. 

2. Capitola N. E., b. February 9, 1859, at Mt. Car- 

roll, 111. 

3. Darwin Lucian, b. October i, 1861, at Mt. Car- 

roll, 111.; d. January 21, 1862, at Mt. Carroll, 
111. 

4. Richard V. M., b. November 27, 1862, at Mt. 

Carroll, 111. 

5. Duane Browne, b. June 28, 1868, at Mt. Carroll 

111. 

6. Josepen Blanche, b. May 29, 1874, at Mt. Car- 

roll, 111. 

Simeon B. Armour, son of Danforth, now resides in 
Kansas City. He married Margaret Klock, June 19, 1886. 



262 GENEALOGIES. 

Andrew Watson Armour, son of Danforth, (see bio- 
graphical sketch), married Adalaine H. Simonds, May lo, 
1853. He lived in Kansas City, Mo., and died May 28, 1892. 
Ch. I. Kirkland Brook, b. April 10, 1854. 

2. Maria Lucy, b. September 23, 1855; d. June 10, 

1871. 

3. Charles Waterman, b. June 10, 1857. 

Philip Danforth Armour, son of Danforth, (see bio- 
graphical sketch), married Malvina Belle Ogden, October 
16, 1862, at Cincinnati, O. 

Ch. I. Jonathan Ogden, b. November 11, 1863. 

2. Joseph Francis, b. December 25, 1865; d. Sep- 

tember 15, 1866. 

3. Philip Danforth, b. January 11, 1869. 

Marietta Armour, daughter of Danforth, married 
Emory D. Chapin, May 14, 1856. 

Ch. I. Alice, b. December 28, 1858. 

2. Florence, b. March 3, 1861; d. September 25, 

1861. 

3. Henry Franklin, b. April 6, 1863; d. March 25, 

1872. 

4. Simeon Brooks, b. May 31, 1865. 

5. Julia Belle, b. August 14, 187 1. 

Charles Eugene Armour, son of Danforth, was a soldier 
in the Civil war in the Second Kansas Regiment, and died 
in the hospital at Rolla, Miss., August 12, 1863. 

Herman Ossian Armour, son of Danforth, married Mary 
Jacks, November 20, 1862. 

Ch. I. Julia Anna, b. July 12, 1864. 

2. May, b. February 10, 1866. 

3. Grace, b. December 5, 1870; d. May 26, 1875. 
Mrs. H. O. Armour died December 29, 1870. 

Joseph Francis Armour, son of Danforth, married 
Amelia Gurnee, September 2, 1869. She died October 3^ 
1873- 



THE AEMOUR FAMILY. 



263 



Joseph F. Armour married, second, Carrie Louise Gur- 
nee, May 3, 1875, at Geneva, Switzerland. He died January 
5, 1881. 

Ch. I. Gurnee, b. May 10, 1876; d. November 16, 1879. 

Alonzo Zelotes Armour, son of Lyman, married Har- 
riet Lucinda Cotting, March 16, 1856. 

Ch. I. Mary Julia, b. December 17, 1858. 

2. William Lyman, b. July i, 1865. 

3. Frederick Alonzo, b. July 17, 1867. 

4. Frank, b. August 12, 1872; d. May 18, 1873. 
They live at College Springs, Col. 

Sarah Charlotte Armour, daughter of Lyman, mar- 
ried Chester Duane Austin, February 28, i860. 
Ch. I. Sarah Nellie, b. March 7, 186 1. 



Chester Wilburn, b. July 23, 1862. 
Merton, b. June 15, 1864. 
Jessie Winona, b. April i, 1866. 
Lucy Julia, b. March 29, 187 1. 

Omer Eugene Armour, son of John, married Maryette 
Cole, October 20, 1861. 

Ch. I. Carrie L., b. September 28, 1862, at Volney, 
N. Y.; d. October 2, 1863. 
2. Fred E., b. August 20, 1866. 

Oscar Danforth Armour, son of John, married, first, 
Abbie Dubois, April 24, 1862; second, Emma Sumner, 
April 18, 1876. They lived at Scriba, N. Y. 
Ch. I. Artie H., b. March 19, 1869. 

2. Jennie Liizett, b. September 14, 1870. 

3. Susan Maria, b. June 30, 1873; d. July 29, 1873. 

Orville Preston Armour, son of John, married Lizetta 
S. Armour, adopted daughter of Volney Armour and 
Sophia Bishop, March 22, 1865. 

Ch. I. Hattie Sophia, b. December 20, 1865, at Volney,, 
N. Y.; d. September 17, 1868. 

2. Pardee D., b. March 20, 1867; d. July 10, 1888. 

3. Winnie Luzett, b. July 5, 1869. 

4. Josephine L., b. April 21, 187 1. 



264 GESEALOGIES. 

Sarah Jaxe Bridge, daughter of Orange Bridge and 
Laura Armour, married Milton Dayton Bligh, December 

II, 1855- 

Ch. I. Fremont Dayton, b. October i, 1856. 

2. Neva C. b. December 24, 1862. 

3. Willie Orange, b. September 3, 1864; d. May 15, 

1865. 

4. Bertie Davis, b. September 13, 1868; d. March 

2, 1875- 

Emma Sophia Bridge, daughter of Orange Bridge and 
Laura Armour, married Arnold Bishop, February 18, 1874. 
Ch. I. Lena Bishop, b. February 8, 1875; d. Septem- 
ber, 12, 1875. 

Preston G. Armour, son of Volney (son of Preston), 
married Eliza E. Riddle, June 5, 1880. 

Ch. I. Franklin Chapman, b. June 22, 1882, at Logan, 
Iowa. 

2. Darwin Blaine, b. May 4, 1884, at Logan, Iowa. 

3. Lucinda, b. September 30, 1887, at Logan, Iowa. 

4. Josephine B., b. November 15, 1889, at Logan, 

Iowa. 

Kirklaxd B. Armour, son of Andrew "Watson, married 
Annie P. Heame, April 27, 1881. 

Ch. I. Andrew Watson, b. April 3, 1882. 

2. Lawrence Heame, b. March 8, 1888. 

3. Kirkland Brook, b. August 27, 1890; d. May 21, 

1891. 

Charles Waterman Armour, son of Andrew Watson, 
married Annie Magie, June 3, 1885. vShe died in Milwau- 
kee, January 4, 1889. 

Jonathan Ogden Armour, son of Philip D., married 
Lolita Hughes Sheldon of Suffield, Conn., May 12, 1891. 

Philip Danforth Armour, Jr., married }ilay Elizabeth 
Lester, November 6, 1889. 



AVEBT, ATWOOD, BACK. 265 

Rev. David Averv was the fourth minister of Union. 
He lived in the so-called Abbott house. He remained in 
town two years from 1797 to 1799. He was born in Frank- 
lin, Conn., April 5, 1746; graduated at Yale in 1769; studied 
theology under Rev. Dr. Wheelock, and was first settled at 
Windsor, Vt., in 1773. In 1777 he became chaplain in the 
Revolutionary army and was very popular among the sol- 
diers. He was the minister at Wrentham from 1786 to 
1797. After leaving Union he went to Chaplin, Conn. He 
married Hannah Chaplin of Mansfield, October 10, 1782. 
He died at Middletown, Va., October 28, 181 7. 

Ch. I. Mary, m. Wm. H. Smith of Providence. 

2. David, graduated at Brown University. 

3. Hannah, m. Chester D. Clarke. 

4. Lydia, m. Lieut. Th. Hewitt of the U. S. Army. 



Daniel Atwood lived in Union from 1817 to 1840, near 
where H. F. Corbin now does (1891). 
He married a Trumbull. 
Ch. I. Elliot, d. at Worcester, ]\Iay 28, 1830. 

2. Maria, m. Bemis. 

3. Nancy, m. first, Green; second, 

4. Erasmus. 

5. Cindarilla, m. Sydney Work of Stafford. 

6. Daniel. 

7. Timothy. 

8. Cynrietta. 

9. Amanda, m. Geo. Rogers of Wales. 

THE BACK FAMILY. 

Roscius Back, son of Lucius and Sophia M. Back, was 
born February 4, 1837, at Holland, Mass. After working 
at Colt's Armory, Hartford, in Holland and Sturbridge, he 
came to Mashapaug and bought an interest in the mattress 
and grist mill factory at the "long bridge" with A. E. 
Weld, March 27, 1862. Messrs. Weld and Back continued 



266 GENEALOGIES. 

in business there until October, 1864, when the factory was 
burned. Since 1864 Mr. Back has been in the farming and 
lumber business. On August 31, 1863, he married Miss 
Harriet Cutler Robbins of Holland, Mass. (born June 2, 
1840), at Three Rivers, Palmer, Mass. They lived at first 
in the house at the top of the hill on the Holland road, 
now known as the Methodist parsonage. Mr. Back began 
building his present house in the fall of 1865, completing 
it in the spring of the following year. Mr. Back repre- 
sented his town in the State Legislature during the term 
of 1891-1892. 

Ch. I. Roscius Harlow, b. May 28, 1865. 
2. Harry Eugene, b. July 8, 1869. 

R. H. Back graduated from the Hitchcock Free High 
School, Brimfield, Mass., in 1885, and took a post-graduate 
course there the year following. In the fall of 1886, he 
entered the Boston University Law School, graduating in 
June, 1889. On December i, 1888, he married Katherine 
Elizabeth Hart (born May 3, 1865, in Manchester, Eng- 
land). Since 1889 they have resided in Boston and he has 
practiced law at 24 Congress street. 

Harry E. Back graduated from the Hitchcock Free 
High School in 1888, and from the Boston University, Col- 
lege of Liberal Arts, in 1892, taking the degree of B. A. 
At the close of his college course he accepted a temporary 
position as city editor of the New Hampshire Republican, 
published at Nashua, N. H. He is now an editor of the 
Worcester Evening Post. 



JosiAH Backus came from Ashford to Union about 1790, 
where he settled on the county road southeast of Bald hill. 
He married Elizabeth Hilliard. 

Ch. I. Zibeah, b. September 28, 1789. 

Josiah, b. November 6, 1891. 

Elizabeth, b. January 20, 1794. 

Diana, b. February 11, 1796. 

Aaron, b. January 11, 1798. 

Abigail, b. April 28, 1800. 

Joanna, b. June 16, 1803. '^ 



THE BADOER FAMILY. 267 

THE BADGER FAMILY. 

Nathaniel Badger, and four sons, Nathaniel, Daniel, 
Enoch and Henry, came to Union, from Norwich Farms, 
now the town of Franklin. Nathaniel Badger was born at 
Newbury, Mass., January 16, 1675 (Savage says 1676). His 
father was John Badger, called Sergeant John Badger, and 
lived at Newbury. His first wife was named Elizabeth, 
and by her he had four children. His second wife was 
Hannah, daughter of Stephen Swett, by whom he had 
nine children, of whom Nathaniel was the third. The 
grandfather of Nathaniel was Giles Badger, who lived in 
Newbury, as early as 1635. He had two brothers, Nathaniel 
and Richard, all inhabitants of Newbury in 1647 (see 
Farmer), and all came from England, about the year 1635. 

Nathaniel Badger, son of John, married MaryLunt, ' 
March 27, 1693, and lived in Newbury until most of his 
children were born, when he moved to Norwich Farms, 
Conn., where his youngest son Henry, was born. His chil- 
dren were : 

Ch. I. John, b. January 3, 1694. 

2. Nathaniel, b. November 29, 1695 (called Joseph 

by a writer in the American Quarterly Reg- 
ister). 

3. Daniel, b. March 27, 1698. 

4. Mehitabel, b. 1700, baptized August 18, 1700, m. 

Daniel Haskins. 

5. Edmund, b. April 2, 1703. 

6. Mary, b. September 8, 1708. 

7. Samuel, b. August 14, 17 10. 

8. Anne, b. January 25, 17 12. 

9. Enoch, b. probably in 1714. 

10. Henry, b. March 23, 1717, at Norwich. 
Nathaniel Badger was the ancestor through his son 
Henry, of the Rev. Joseph Badger, born at Wilbraham, 
Mass., February 20, 1757, who settled in Wood county, 
Ohio, and whose biography is published in the American 
Quarterly Register for 1840-41. 



2 68 GENEALOGIES 

He was a very remarkable man. His biography is a 
marvelous story of experience as a soldier in the Revolu- 
tion, as a student in Yale College, as an ingenious, versatile 
mechanic, as a teacher, as a minister of Blandford, Mass., 
and then as a most useful pioneer missionary in the West. 
Two of Nathaniel Badger's sons, Samuel and Edmund, set- 
tled at Windham. Thomas, son of Edmund of Windham, 
(according to Weaver), was perhaps, the most talented man 
ever born in Windham. He settled as a lawyer in North 
Carolina, and was the father of Hon. George Edmund 
Badger, LL. D., of Raleigh, N. C, Senator in Congress 
from North Carolina, and Secretary of the Navy. 

Hon. Samuel Badger of Philadelphia, was the fifth son 
of Samuel, of Windham. Nathaniel Badger of Union, was 
also the ancestor through his son Enoch of Union, and 
afterwards of Coventry, Conn., of Rev. Milton Badger, D. 
D., of New York, long Secretary of the Home Missionary 
Society; also of Rev. Norman Badger. Enoch Badger was 
for many years town clerk, and his records are made in a 
beautiful hand. 

Nathaniel Badger bought land in Union, in 1734, of 
Samuel Wells of Hartford. He must have lived at Union, 
for he conveyed land to his son Henry, in a deed dated 
April 6, 1741, in which he is said to be of Union and he 
speaks of his love and fatherly affection for his son Henry. 
This land was a lot of sixty acres on the north side of Bush- 
meadow. Half of the saw-mill on Bushmeadow brook was 
conveyed by the same deed to his son Henry. 

Captain Daniel Badger, son of Nathaniel Badger, of 
Norwich, Conn., was one of the first settlers of Union. He 
first lived on the land afterwards owned by Dr. Shubael 
Hammond, and now by Mason Horton. He built the first 
house and dug the first well and cleared the land which he 
bought of William Ward, being lot No. 2, of what were 
called the home lots. This was situated entirely on the 
east side of the town street. It extended east four hun- 
dred rods, and was about seventy rods wide. The north- 



THE BADGER FAMILY. 269 

east corner was marked by a stone on which were the let- 
ters W. W. "lying on the west side of a little brook." The 
deed of sale was dated May 21, 1736. He sold this land 
April 16, 1741, to Samuel Bartholomew. While digging the 
well, his children came to the brink and cried for bread, 
and he had none to give them. So he came up out of the 
well and went through what was then a wilderness to 
Brimfield, to buy bread for his little ones. This legend 
about the well is a true story, for his daughter Patience, 
who married Elias Armstrong, told it to Charles Ham- 
mond's mother — and she was one of the hungry little ones. 
Mr. Hammond could just remember this old Mrs. Arm- 
strong. 

Captain Badger moved from his first settlement in 
Union, to the mill site at the outlet of Mashapaug, which 
he was the first to improve. He died February 22, 1769, 
aged 72. He married first Sarah Roath, October 22, 1719, 
by whom he had three children. For his second wife he 
married Patience Durkee, June 28, 1727. She died Septem- 
ber 28, 1793. 

Ch. I. Daniel, b. July 14, 1720. 

2. Gideon, b. March 22, 1723. 

3. David, b. January 8, 1725. 

4. Jonathan, b. December 4, 1729, graduated at 

Princeton, in 1751, was tutor there three 
years, and died in Union, January 25, 1757. 

5. Sarah, b. April 9, 1730, m. Robert Jennings, of 

Ashford, December 20, 1749. 

6. Patience, b. January 17, 1732, m. Elias Arm- 

strong. 

7. Hannah, b. September 3, 1734, m. first, Henry 

NcNeil; second, James Armour, December 
17, 1777. 

8. Elizabeth, b. at Union, November 28, 1737, d. 

December 22, 1740. 

9. Ann, b. September 20, 1740, m. Eleazar How- 

ard, of Sturbridge. 
10. Jeremiah, b. December 13, 1742, m. Zeruiah 
Peake. 



270 



GENEALOGIES. 



Nathaniel Badger, Jr., son of Nathaniel of Norwich, 
bought land in Union in 1734. He served several years as 
selectman. His wife's name was Rebecca. 

Ch. I. Rebecca, b. November 22, 1728. 
2. Rhoda, b. November 2, 1741. 

Enoch Badger, son of Nathaniel, Sr., was town clerk 
in Union from 1740 to 1747. In the latter year he sold his 
farm in Union to Jeremiah Bishop, of Coventry, and moved 
to Coventry, where he died in 1793. He married Mary 
Rood, October 5, 1741. 

Ch. I. Esther, b. September 24, 1742. 

2. Eunice, b. March 22, 1744. 

3. Lydia, b. July 17, 1746. 

4. Abner, b. June 9, 1748. 

5. Enoch, b. July 9, 1750. 

6. Mary, b. March 9, 1752. 

Henry Badger, the youngest son of Nathaniel Badger, 
of Norwich and Union, was married at Union, September 
21, 1737, to Mary Langdon. Two children were born in 
Union. 

Ch. I. Joseph, b. August, 1738. 
2. Mary, b. March 17, 1740. 

In 1 741, he sold his land in Union, and afterwards 
resided in Wilbraham. Here he had a large family. The 
names of the children w^ere Jerusha, Nathaniel, Lamewell, 
Joseph, Joseph, Jerusha, Louise. The last Joseph is the 
one who graduated at Yale in 1785, and became a useful 
home missionary. In 1766 Henry Badger removed to 
Patridgefield, now Peru, Mass., where he died. 

Daniel Badger, Jr., son of Captain Daniel, was one of 
the early settlers of Union, coming with his father from 
Norwich. He married first, Elizabeth Fuller, in the Rhode 
Island government, November 23, 1739. By her five of his 
children were born. She died March 12, 1747. He then 
married Philippe Hall, November 11, 1747. 



THE BADGER FAMILY. 



271 



Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. December 29, 1740, 111. Archibald 
Coy, d. May 29, 1806. 

2. Ephraim, b. August 2, 1742. 

3. Rhoda, b. June 9, 1744, d. June 17, 1744. 

4. Daniel, b. May 19, 1745, d. August 11, 1747. 

5. Abigail, b. March 10, 1747. 

6. Daniel, b. August 9, 1748. 

7. Elisha, b. February 3, 1750. 

8. Josiah, b. August 25, 175 1. 

9. Ruth, b. February 22, 1760, m. Webber. 

10. Mary, b. March 20, 1762. 

11. Gideon, b. February 24, 1764. 

12. Philippe, b. March 2, 1768. 

David Badger, was one of the early settlers of Union. 
It is probable that he was the son of Captain Daniel Bad- 
ger. He married Ann Modena, July 11, 174- (date partly 
obliterated). 

Ch. I. Sarah, b. October 10, 1746. 

2. Miriam, b. September, 1748. 

3. Joshua, b. June i, 1781. 

Gideon Badger, son of Captain Daniel, married Mrs. 
Mary Dodge, December 17, 1784. 

Ch. Lydia, b. September 15, 1755. 

Lieut. Jeremiah Badger, son of Capt. Daniel, married 
Zeruiah Peake, January 15, 1767. He lived at Mashapaug and 
owned the saw-mill there. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 
Ch. I. Giles, m. Olive Sprague. 

2. Irena, b. September 9, 1767, m. Thursting Wells; 
lived in Fenner, N. Y. 
Willard. 
Asher. 
Abner, b. November 11, 1776, d. September 21, 

1778. 
Abner, b. September 24, 1778. 
Lucinda, b. March i, 1787, m. Woodworth. 
Melinda, b. June 11, 1788, m. Dunton. 



2 72 GENEALOGIES. 

Ephraim Badger, son of Daniel, Jr., married Keziah 
Wakefield, September 6, 1774. 

Ch. I. Anna, b. August 28, 1765. 

2. Elizabeth, b. August 16, 1767. 

3. Keziah, b. May 8, 1769. 

Daniel Badger, son of Daniel, Jr., married E'^vard 
Walker of Union, October 5, 1769. 

Ch. I. David, b. August 27, 1770. 

2. Ephraim, b. February 29, 1772. 

3. Eunice, b. December 26, 1775. 

Elisha Badger, son of Daniel, Jr., married Susannah 
Chaffee of Norwich, July 20, 1769. 

Ch. I. Keziah, b. February 28, 1773. 

2. Ezra, b. November 26, 1775. 

3. Susannah, b. September 25, 1779. 

JosiAH Badger, son of Daniel, Jr., married Silvana 
Hatch. 

Ch. I. Christiana, b. September 11, 1774. 

2. Susannah, b. March 14, 1777. 

3. Ruth Garrett, b. May 3, 1779. 

4. Andrew Hatch, b. November 28, 1780. 

Jonathan Badger, whose relation to the others is 
unknown, lived east of the mill pond near Badger's mills, so 
called. He married Abigail Rice of Stafford, December 2, 
1776. 

Ch. I. Caleb, b. February 21, 1778. 

2. Enoch, b. June 2, 1780. 

3. Amasa, b. December 9, 1782. 

4. Anna, b. May 17, 1785. 

Giles Badger, son of Jeremiah, married Olive Sprague, 
daughter of Th. Sprague, of Union. He died at Presque 
Isle, Pa. 

Ch. I. Wyman, b. March 21, 1790. 
2. Orpha. 



THE BADOER FAMILY. 



273 



WiLLARD Badger, son of Jeremiah, married Tabitha 
Sprague, daughter of Thomas Sprague of Union. He 
moved to Lenox, N. Y., and died at Presque Isle, Pa. 



Ch. 



Marvin, b. February 10, 1795. 

Eveline. 

Freeman. 

Orill. 

Palmer. 

Maverick. 

Emmorette. 

Lorette. 



AsHER Badger, son of Jeremiah, married Polly Goodale 
of Holland. He lived where Felix Boovia now lives. 
Ch. I. Roxa, b. December 13, 1796. 

2. Augusta, b. January i, 1798. 

3. Winthrop, b. September 28, 1801. 

4. Dwight, b. April 5, 1803. 

5. Cemantha, b. March i, 1805. 

6. Diantha, b. February 28, 1807. 

7. Lorrin, b. March 12, 1809. 

8. Hamilton, b. April 15, 181 1. 

9. Ransom, b. April 5, 1814. 
10. Ichabod, b. 1816. 

Most of the family moved away from Union, when they 
were young. Some of the girls lived in Buffalo, N, Y. 
Hamilton went to Indiana and became wealthy. Ichabod 
went into the shoe business. He spent' most of his life in 
Southbridge, Mass., where he died March 26, 1892. Only 
Ransom is now living (1892). 

Abner Badger, son of Jeremiah, married Phebe How- 
ard, of Union. 
Ch. I. Electa. 

2. Almira. 



George L. Baker, from Wales, lived in town several 
years. He was the postmaster at Union for a few years, 
and represented the town in the Legislature in 1884. He 



274 



GENEALOGIES. 



married Mrs. Laura Marcy Taylor, daughter of Merrick 
Marcy, January 13, 1875. The family now reside in Hart- 
ford, but frequently spend the summer in Union. Mr. 
Baker is a member of the firm of Marcy Bros. & Co. 
Ch. I. Lottie May, b. December 27, 1875. 

2. George Merrick, b. July 10, 1878. 

3. Louis Marcy, b. February 18, 1882. 

BARBER FAMILY. 

Frederick Wolcott Barber, son of George W. Barber, 
was born July 8, 1828, at Perry (now Wyoming), Genesee 
county, N. Y. He came to Union in 1871, lived two years 
at Prosper Smith's, then bought of Samuel A. Whipple the 
Philip Corbin place, where he has since resided. He mar- 
ried, first, Jane Elizabeth Bissell, daughter of James Bis- 
sell, of South Windsor, May 4, 1856. She died November 18, 
1866. He married, second time, Emily Howard Smith, 
daughter of Prosper vSmith, of Union, September 5, 1868. 

His children were : 

Ch. I. Jennie Elizabeth, b. February 21, 1857; m. 
John Hamilton; now lives in Monson, Mass. 

2. Josephine Bonaparte, b. October 9, 1870; m. 

George Towne. 

3. Howard Grant, b. October 16, 1872. 

4. Grace Winifred, b. August 20, 1878. 

bartlett family. 
Daniel Bartlett, son of William Bartlett, of Eastford, 
was born February 19, 1812. He married Lucy P. Howard, 
daughter of David Howard, of Woodstock, June, 1836. She 
was born April 10, 181 5. 

Mr. Bartlett came to Union from Eastford in Decem- 
ber, 1877, and lived with his son-in-law, E. M. Horton. He 
represented the town in the Legislature of 1880. 
Their children were : 

Ch. I. Mary Jane, b. February 14, 1838; m. E. Mason 
Horton. 
2. Priscilla Chandler, b. March 12, 1842; m. David 
Hollingsworth. 



BARTLETT, BARTON, BASCOM. 275 

Richard Bartlett, an early resident, died April 20, 
1791. His wife, Elizabeth, died January 19, 1781. 

James Bartlett lived southwest of the Fairbanks place. 
He married Experience Houghton, June 13, 1771. 
Ch. I. Sybil, baptized June 2, 1773. 
2. Persis, d. November 9, 1776. 



John Barton came from Oxford to Union about 1775, 
and bought land of Thomas Taylor. He married Persis. 
He served twelve months in the Revolutionary army. 
Ch. I. Ruth, b. March 25, 1777. 
2. John, b. February 13, 1779. 

Caleb Barton lived in Union during the earlier part of 
the Revolutionary war, and served nine months in the 
army. In 1779 he moved to Leicester, Mass. 



Daniel Bascom, of Lebanon, bought 420 acres of land in 
Union with Ephraim Wilcox, April 12, 1759. It belonged 
originally to Thomas Fitch, of Boston, and was in the west 
part of town. Two sons moved to Union, Daniel and John. 

Daniel Bascom, Jr., married Elizabeth Ward, daughter 
of Uriah, October 9, 1760. 

Ch. I. Olive, b. July 15, 1761. 

2. Uriah, b. April 9, 1764. 

3. Abel, b. September 27, 1766. 

4. Nathan, b. January 10, 1770. 

5. Daniel, b. September 17, 1772. 

6. Samuel, b. May 29, 1775. 

John Bascom, son of Daniel, of Lebanon, married Sarah 
Burley, June 9, 1763. 



Ch. 



Elias, b. May 4, 1764. 
Miriam, b. May 12, 1766. 
Alice, b. September 18, 1768. 
Asaph, b. July 16, 1776. 
Ezekiel, baptized June 28, 1774. 



276 



GENEALOGIES. 



Nehemiah Batchelor came from Grafton to Union in 
1749, and bought land of John Ward. He married Expe- 
rience . 

Ch. I. Elijah. 

2. Sarah, b. November 7, 1751. 

3. Rhoda, b. July 12, 1753. 

4. John, b. July 29, 1757. 

Elijah Batchelor, son of Nehemiah, married Eliza- 
beth, and had a daughter, Elizabeth, born June 3, 1769. 



Samuel Bartholemew, of Woodstock, bought of Captain 
Daniel Badger the lot No. 2, on which he first settled in 
1736. The deed was dated April 16, 1741. He was living 
in Ashford in 1745. 

Joseph Bartholemew came from Woodstock, and bought 
land in Union of Paul Langdon, March 30, 1742. He mar- 
ried Susanna Turner, April 10, 1769. 

Benjamin Bartholemew, of Woodstock, bought land of 
his brother, Samuel, in 1745. These three were apparently 
brothers, sons of Joseph Bartholemew, of Woodstock. 



David Bates came to Union from Sutton, Mass., and 
bought the farm of Hugh Crawford, where E. N. Lawson 
now lives. The deed was dated December 18, 1776. 

Ch. I. David; was a Revolutionary soldier; was a 
Baptist minister, and lived at Hardwick and 
at Charlton. 

2. John; was a Revolutionary soldier; afterwards 

went to Vermont and became wealthy. 

3. Lydia, m. Thomas Holman, Senior; after his 

death she married Clemens. 

4. Judith, m. Thaddeus Gage, of Woodstock. 

5. Abigail, m. John Harris, of Ashford, February 

17, 1780. 



BATES, BELKNAP. 277 

David Bates died March 8, 1793, aged 76. His widow 
died in 1834, aged 102 or 103 years. 

Laban Bates, Sr., came from Bellingham, Mass., to 
Union. He probably lived near the place where Timothy 
Newell now lives. 

Ch. I. Laban, 

2. Eli. 

3. Liberty; became a lawyer; lived at Charlton, 

Mass., and Oswego, N. Y. 

4. Nahum. 

5. Peter. 

6. Olive, m. Nathan Kelly. 

7. Abigail. 

8. Polly, m. William Allan; went West. 

9. Smith. 

Laban Bates, Jr., lived first at Pelham, Mass. He 
married Chloe Sampson. 

Their children, who all went to Cincinnati, O., were : 
Ch. I. Smith, b. at Pelham, Mass, January 30, 1805. 

2. Anna, b. at Union, April 30, 1807. 

3. Sally, b. at Union, April 11, 1809. 

4. Nathan Sampson, b. January 19, 181 1. 

5. Osro, b. April 30, 1813. 



Daniel W. Belknap married Margaret Walker, daugh- 
ter of wSimons Walker, February 18, 1807. They lived on 
the Jesse Hall place. 

Ch. I. Sophia, b. January 18, 1810. 

2. Lorin, b. September 19, 181 1. 

3. vSimons Walker, b. July 29, 1813; m. Marcia 

Herrendeen, d. 1868. 

4. Chloe, b. March 5, 1816. 

5. Daniel Ossian, b. November 8, 1821. 

6. Asa, b. July 2, 1823. 

7. Franklin Sherman, b. February 3, 1826. 

8. Moses Chester, b. June 13, 1828. 



2 78 GENEALOGIES. 

Rev. Nehemiah Beach Beardsley was the fifth settled 
minister of Union. He was settled April 14, 1824, and dis- 
missed April 18, 1831. He was born in Huntington, Conn. 
His father was John Beardsley, of Hartford, Conn., the 
third son of Abram Beardsley, of Stratford. The mother 
of Rev. Mr. Beardsley was Jernsha Beach, the daughter of 
Nehemiah Beach, of vStratford. Mr. Beardsley fitted for 
college with Rev. David Ely, D.D., of Ripton parish, Hunt- 
ington: entered at Yale in 1801, and graduated in Septem- 
ber, 1805. He studied divinity with Rev. Joseph Lathrop, 
D.D. of West Springfield, and was licensed in 1806. He 
was first settled in Chester, a parish of Saybrook, in June, 
1816. After his dismission from Union he preached in 
Tolland, Mass., Windsor, Mass., and other places, as a 
missionary. He spent his last years in Somers, Conn., 
where he died February 28, 1868, aged 87. 

Rev. Nehemiah B. Beardsley married Mrs. Achsah 
Chapin, widow of Samuel D. Chapin, of Somers, September 
18, 1805. She died at Somers, February 15, 1868, aged 93. 
Ch. I. Laurinda, b. September 19, 1806. 

2. Lucius, b. January 24, 1809. 

3. Horace Morgan, b. March 2, 1813. 

4. Achsah, b. September 16, 1815. 

Lucius Beardsley married in Burlington, Iowa, in 1849, 
and died March 21, 1857. 

Horace Morgan Beardsley married in New York in 
1839, and died of consumption at vSt. Croix, W. I., in 1840. 



Jeremiah Bishop came to Union from Coventry, Conn., 
and bought, in 1747, the farm of Enoch Badger. His wife's 
name was Martha. 
Ch. I. Jeremiah. 

2. Martha; m. Isaac Holliday, of Sufifield, October 

18, 1759. 

3. Joel, b. June 4, 1743. 

4. Eleazer, b. September 8, 1745. 



BISHOP, BLANCHABD. 



279 



5. Rhoda, b. January 31, 1748. 

6. Benjamin, b. March 4, 1750. 

7. James, b. November 9, 1751. 

8. Seth, b. July 30, 1754. 

Jeremiah Bishop deeded most of his lands to his son 
Jeremiah, November 9, 1861. 

Jeremiah Bishop, Jr., married Hannah . 



Ch. 



Sarah, b. October 3, 1756. 
Levi, baptized November 11, 1759. 
Jeremiah, baptized Maj^ 30, 1762. 
Martha, baptized August 26, 1764. 
Zubah, baptized April 19, 1767. 



Jonathan Blanchard came from Ashford or Abington 
to Union, but was born at Andover, Mass. He was the son 
of Jonathan Blanchard, of Andover, who was born May 25, 
1664, the fifth son of vSamuel Blanchard, who, according to 
tradition, came from Wales with his father, Thomas, and 
landed in New England, June 23, 1639, aged ten years. 
Jonathan Blanchard, of Union, the grandson of the first 
comer, married Sarah Osgood, of Andover, Mass. He lived 
on the Eaton place, where Alden Williams now resides. 
Jonathan Blanchard moved to Holland in 1774, and after- 
wards to Monson, where he died. 

Ch. I. Sarah, b. at Abington; baptized May i, 1763, by 
Rev. Mr. Horton. 
Lydia, b. at Union, July 9, 1763; m. Mr. Moul- 

ton, of Monson. 
Chester, b. at Union, December 6, 1765; lived 

at Monson. 
Jonathan, b. at Union, April 29, 1768; lived 
first at Monson, then went West. 

5. Amasa, b. at Union, October 10, 1770. 

6. Deborah, b. at Union, February 20, 1774; d. at 
Monson, May 29, 1868. 

Nathan, b. at Holland in 1784 or 1785. 
Polly, b. at Holland. 



28o 



GENEALOGIES. 



John Blanchard came to Union from Woodstock in 
1801; lived where Deacon Burley now does; left town 
about 1830. He married for his second wife, Persis Bur- 
ley, widow of John Burley, Junior. He had by his second 
wife, Phila, married Clark; Marcia, Marcena, Lucia, and a 
son named Alastine. By a previous marriage he had a son 
named John. 



Lemuel Bolles was a soldier of the Revolution; he was 
at the battle of Bunker Hill, at the capture of Burgoyne, 
and elsewhere. He lived south of Lake Mashapaug and 
east of Gulf hill, on what was originally lot No. 4. He 
married Lucy Perkins, of Brookfield, Mass., February 16, 
1785. .She died February 2, 1805. 



Ch. 



Alanson. 

Erastus; went West. 
John. 

Lemuel, b. September 28, 1792. 
Nathaniel, b. August 19, 1794. 
Leonard, b. August 12, 1796. 
Jedediah ]\Iorse, b. January 23, 1799. 
David H., b. August 14, 1800. 
Abigail, b. September 25, 1802; m. 
Lavater Lawson. 



Casper 



WiLLARD Blodgett camc from Stafford to Union. He 
was the son of Deacon Alden Blodgett, of Stafford. He 
married Elmira Bliss, daughter of Reuben Bliss, of Mon- 
son, June 23, 18 14. They lived on the hill west of Union- 
town, where the Reagan family now does. He died ]\Iarch 
19, 1877; she died April 7, 1855. 

Ch. I. Austin, b. October 13, 1815; d. October 22, 1822. 
2. Alden Willard, b. May 18, 1817; m., first, 
Lucinda Hawkins; second, Phebe Harris; d. 
at ]\Ionson. 



BLODGETT, BOOTH. 281 

3. Minerva Flint, b. November 18, 18 18; m. Perry 

L. Goodale, of Sturbridge, July 4, 1845. 

4. Sarah, b. November 24, 1821; m. Lathrop 

Clark, of Monson, March 23, 1854; d. Feb- 
ruary 25, 1885. 

5. Reuben B., b. November 16, 1823; m. Susan 

Lair, at Blackstone, May 19, 1851. 

6. Ruth, b. June 17, 1725; m. Aurelius Corbin, 

March 20, 1848. 

7. Almira, b. June 5, 1827; m. Elam Ellithorpe, of 

Stafford Springs, October 24, 1852; d. 
November 20, 1888. 

8. Hannah, b. January 18, 1829; m. Samuel F. 

Bemis, of Fiskdale, April 17, 1859. 

9. Lavina, b. May 16, 1831; m. Henry G. Kimball, 

of Union, April 29, 1855. He died at Stafford 
Springs, September 11, i860. She now (1893) 
resides in Springfield, Mass. 

THE BOOTH FAMILY. 

Isaac Booth of Union was born at Enfield, March 9, 
1739. He was the third child of Joseph Booth of Enfield 
who married Mary Chandler, Janiiary 29, 1736. Joseph 
was the sixth child of Zecheriah Booth, and with his twin 
brother Benjamin was born April 10, 17 10. Zecheriah 
Booth and Mary his wife were married Ma}- 26, 1696. He 
was the second son of Simon Booth of Enfield who settled 
there as early as 1680; coming there from Hartford. 
Farther back traditions are uncertain and conflicting. The 
most probable, however, is that Simon Booth of England 
married Rebecca Frost of Scotland and they came to this 
country in 1642, settling first in Saco, Me., and afterwards 
in Enfield. 

Isaac Booth, of Union married Deborah Hurlburt in 
1764 and came to Union that same year. He died January 
13, 1798, and was buried in the old cemetery near the north- 
west corner, but has no headstone. His widow died at 
Union, January 3, 1830. 



282 GENEALOGIES. 

Ch. I. Isaac, b. December 14, 1765. 

2. Benjamin, b. May 17, 1768. 

3. Sarah, b. April 15, 1770; m. Elisha Grig-gs and 

died in 1861. 

4. Job, b. September i, 17 74; d. September 18, 1774. 

5. Esther, b. February 22, 1776, m. Abner Sessions 

and died in i860. 

Isaac Booth, Jr., married Elizabeth Fosket of Stafford, 
November 4, 1790. He died January 21, 1864, in his 99th 
year. Elizabeth his wife died December 15, 1825, aged 65. 
Ch. I. Lydia, b. February 11, 1791. 

2. Betsey, b. July 7, 1792. 

3. Samuel Chandler, b. June 4, 1795. 

4. Henry, b. October 22, 1798. 

5. Elam, b. May 25, 1801. 

6. Isaac Billings, b. February 3, 1805. 

7. Sullivan, b. June 5, 1808. 

Samuel Chandler Booth, son of Isaac, went to East 
Windsor. He married Eunice Day, daughter of Eli Day 
of Northampton, Mass. 

Ch. I. Albert, b. August 22, 1825, graduated at Yale 
in 1850 and became a Methodist minister. 

2. Harriet, b. November 29, 1826. 

3. Clarissa, b. December 30, 1830; m. Henry W. 

Treat, May, 1853. 

4. Franklin, b. October 13, 1836. 

Isaac Billings Booth, son of Isaac, luarried first Mary 

G. Foskett, who died March 27, 1830, aged 20, leaving one 

child. He then married Lydia O. Phillips of R. I. April 4, 

1833. She died August 6, 1880. He died October 21, 1875. 

Ch. I. Mary Elizabeth, b. August 18, 1830, m. Aaron 

Buckland of Staff ordville, April 6, 1848. 

2. Henry Billings, b. August 25, 1834. 

3. Elam Chandler, b. April 26, 1836. 

4. John Othniel, b. September 27, 1838. 



THE BOOTH FAMILY. 283 

5. Lydia Sybil, b. November 14, 1841; d. June 7, 

1851. 

6. Isaac Phillips, b. September 10, 1843. 

7. Adelbert Olney, b. August 8, 1847; d. May 20, 

1851. 

Dea. Sullivan Booth, son of Isaac, married Minerva 
Coye, November 24, 1831. They joined the Congregational 
church at Union in 1832 and he was ejected a deacon soon 
after. He was an earnest Christian worker in the church 
and neighborhood, always ready for a good word or work. 
He died August 7, 1845, aged 37, leaving a family of five 
children to be brought up by his noble wife. 
Ch. I. Sanford, b. April 14, 1838. 

2. Melven, b. November 17, 1839. 

3. Juliette, b. November 7, 1841; m. Stephen B. 

Tift of Ashford, April 2, 1862. 

4. Rosette, b. October 12, 1843; m. Miner Miller, 

February 9, 1863. 

5. Milo S., b. December 3, 1845. 
Minerva C. Booth, died April 13, 1883, aged 70. 

Henry B. Booth, son of Isaac B., married first Maria S. 
Williams, August 25, 1858. She died January 28, 1863. He 
married second, Adelia Williams, April 14, 1864. She died 
March 11, 1877. He married third, Mrs. Mary Bugbee, 
October 10, 1878. He represented the town in the Legis- 
latures of '73, '74, and '87 and has been selectman several 
terms and held other town offices. 

Ch. I. Henry Adelbert, b. October 30, 1866. 

2. George William, b. January 18, 1869; m. Louisa 

Hill in 1888. 

3. Clarence Elam, b. August 29, 1871. 

4. Leon Billings, b. June 8, 1876. 

John O. Booth, son of Isaac B., was educated in the 
public and select schools of his native town, where he 
resided until he was twenty-three years of age. In Sep- 
tember, [862, he married Sarah J. Squier of Union. A few 



284 GENEALOGIES. 

days after his marriage he entered the United States ser- 
vice as a member of Co. G, 22nd Regt. Conn. Volunteers. 
On his return from the army at the expiration of his term 
of service, he located in Staffordville, Conn., where for 
nearly eighteen years he was principal of the Staffordville 
graded school, his wife having charge of the primary depart- 
ment of the same school. In 1867 he engaged in the mercan- 
tile business in Staffordville. After conducting the business 
two years he sold out, and resumed his former occupation of 
teaching. In 1880 he was elected Judge of Probate for the 
district of Stafford and Union, and held the office four 
years. His wife died February 9th, 1885, leaving one child, 
Florence L., who was born in Stafford, August 6th, 1874. 
June ist, 1886, he married M. Lina Enright of Stafford, 
who was born May 9th, 1861. As early as 1870 he began 
giving public lectures upon the subject of temperance and 
later upon various other subjects. During the past ten 
years he has made tours in several states as a lecturer 
and public reader, but has always retained his residence in 
Stafford since he first became a citizen of the town. 

Rev. Isaac Phillips Booth, son of Isaac B. (see bio- 
graphical sketch), married Julia E. Crawford, daughter of 
Laurens E. Crawford, (b. February 9, 1845) May i, 1866. 

Ch. I. Lydia I., b. May 2, 1868; d. August 17, 1868. 

2. Ernest V., b. April 13, 1869; m. Alice J. Dow 

of Northfield, Vt., September 14, 1890; d. 
August 7, 1 89 1. 

3. Lamens C, b. June 17, 1870; died August 5, 

1870. 

4. Alfred F., b. September 7, 1872. 

5. Clarence H., b. November 30, 1873; i^- Minnie 

D. Huniley of Burlington, Vt., November 
23, 1892. 

6. Louis P., b. June 14, 1875. 

7. Edwin, b. May 18, 1877. 

8. Frank L., b. October 14, 1878. 

9. Maud G., b. June 4, 1880. 



THE BOOTH FAMILY. 285 

10. Anna M., b. November 8, 1881; d. August 29, 

1882. 

11. Ralph A., b. November 10, 1883. 

12. Mabel E., b. January 3, 1885. 

13. Julia B., b. December 29, 1886; d. March 26, 

1888. 

14. Paul C, b. April 4, 1891. 

Sanford Booth, son of Sullivan, married Ellen A. 
Moore, daiighter of Dexter Moore, April 2, 1862. He 
moved from Union to Longmeadow, Mass., in April, 1866, 
from there back to Union in 1868, and thence to Brimfield 
in May, 1873. 

Ch. I. Elmer E., b. June 17, 1863. 

2. Malora A., b. November 2, 1864. Graduated 

from the High School at Brimfield, Mass. in 
1884. 

3. Milo D., b. November 9, 1866. 

4. Milton L., b. January 23, 1876. 

Melven Booth, son of Sullivan, married Emily Cope- 
land (b. April 26, 1842, at Hampton, Conn.), October 21, 
1868. They lived in Union until March, 1885, when they 
removed to Brimfield, and thence to Holliston, Mass., in 
April, 1 89 1. 

Ch. I. Lilian M., b. January 6, 1870, graduated from 
the Hitchcock Free High School at Brim- 
field, Mass., in 1888. 

2. Lucy M., b. October 4, 1871; graduated at 

Hitchcock Free High School in 1889. 

3. Olin R., b. February ix, 1873; graduated at 

Hitchcock Free High School in 1890. A 
member of Amherst College, class of '95. 

4. Miner B., b. April 27, 1874. 

5. Mary E., b. May 31, 1876; d. July 17, 1877. 

6. Ida M., b. May 11, 1881. 

MiLO S. Booth, son of Sullivan, married Elizabeth F. 
Brown (b. May 12, 1847) September 24, 1869. They moved 



286 



GENEALOGIES. 



from Union to Windsorville, Ct., in April 1872, and thence 
to Brimfield in April, 1874. 

Ch. I. Homer S., b. February 26, 1873. 

2. Hattie A., b. April 3, 1875. 

3. Harry W., b. June 2, 1877. 

4. Hubert F., b. July 18, 1879. 

5. Howard E., b. August 24, 1881. 



David Brown, son of Othniel of Stafford, married 
Lucy Converse of Stafford. 

Ch. I. Freeman Munroe, b. February 26, 1817; lived at 
Windsor Locks. 

2. John, b. May 16, 1819. 

3. David Richard, b. Nov. 18, 182 1. 

4. Isaac. 

5. Lucy. 

6. George, lived at Providence and Windsor, died 

vSeptember 17, 1892; 2 children: daughter 
married Mr. Joslin of Hartford. 

Olney Brown, son of Othniel of Stafford, married Sally 
Converse. 



Ch. 



Washington. 

Sybil. 

Othniel. 



Othniel Brown, Jr., was the son of Othniel of Staf- 
ford. It is said that his mother, the wife of Othniel, Sr., 
was killed by a hurricane. On her tombstone in the old 
cemetery east of Putnam, is the following quaint inscrip- 
tion : 

" That awful day the hurricane, 

When I was in my prime. 
Blew down the house and I was slain, 
And taken out of time." 



Othniel Brown, Jr., married Annis Andrews of Wales. 



BROWN, BUOBEE. 287 

Ch. I. Eunice, b. April 26, 181 7; m. Loomis Ag-ard. 

2. Holstein, b. February 26, 182 1; m. first Loretta 

Bass; second, Mary Preston. 

3. Mary, b. February 13, 1823; m. Gould of Stafford; 

d. in 1878. 

4. Annis Maria, b. September 24, 1826; m. Leonard 

Goodell. 

5. Robert Othniel, b. January 22, 1837. 

6. Persis; m. Friend Smith. 
Othniel Brown, Jr., died December 27, 1843. 

THE BUGBEE FAMILIES. 

Most of the Bugbee families who have owned land or 
lived in Union, seem to have come from Woodstock. Jona- 
than Bugbee, of Woodstock, owned land in Union as early 
as 1736, but did not live there. Jesse Bugbee, of Woodstock, 
was a proprietor of land which he sold to Isaiah Bugbee, of 
Woodstock. Abel Bugbee, of Sturbridge, was a large land 
proprietor in Union, and sometimes lived there as in 1779 
and in 1782. There were several other Bugbees who owned 
land in Union. 

Isaiah Bugbee, of Woodstock, bought land in Union as 
early as 1750, and was a resident in Union many years in 

the southeast part of town. He married Huldah . 

Ch. I. Elizabeth, m. Solomon Keyes. 

2. Wareham, baptized October 7, 1759; died in the 

Revohitionary army. 

3. Anstes, b. 1754; m. David Hiscock. 

Jedediah Bugbee, son of Jesse and Experience, was born 
May 6, 1741. He married Molly Hiscox, October 29, 1767. 
He lived in the southeast part of town near North Ashford. 
He was a Revolutionary soldier and died of camp fever in 
New York, October 24, 1776, aged 35. 

Ch. I. Jesse, b. November 2, 1768; m. Chloe Hayward. 

2. Marcus, b. October 16, 1772. 

3. Eleazar. 

4. Mary, m. David Corbin. 

5. Lois, b. January, 1777; m. Rosewell Chapman. 



GENEALOGIES, 



Abiel Bugbee was a brother of Jedediah. He married 
Hannah Harwood, of Sutton, Mass., November 15, 1770. 
Ch. I. Elisha, b. November 2, 1771. 
2. Hannah, b. September 9, 1783. 

Jesse Bugbee, son of Jedediah, lived near his brother 



Eleazar, j 

Hayward 

Ch. I 



4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 
1 1 
12 



ust over the line in Eastford. He married Chloe 

Jedediah; died young. 

Hannah, m. John Kinney; went West. 

Chloe, m. ist, Marcus Lyon, of Eastford; 2nd, 

Smith, father of Miss Smith, the invalid. 
Rhoda. 

Lois, m. Joseph Marcy. 
Elmira, m. Benjamin Chamberlain. 
Jesse; went to Longmeadow, Mass. 
Hiram. 

Zenas, m. ist, Matilda Wood; lives at Mansfield. 
Delotia, m. John Marcy. 
Marcia. 
Alvin, m. ist, Sarah Chamberlain; 2nd, Mary 

Loomis. 



Marcus Bugbee, son of Jedediah, married, ist, Sylvia 
Corbin, born February 28, 1775. She died April 20, 1828. 
He married, 2nd, Betsey Snell, March 4, 1830, and had one 
son by his second marriage. 

Ch. I. Newman, b. December 18, 1798. 

2. Polly, b. January 3, 1801; m. Porter Vinton, July 

27, 1828. 

3. Jason, b. February 7, 1803. 

4. Arminia, b. March 11, 1805. 

5. Loring, b. April 20, 1807. 

6. Elijah, b. April 3, 1809. 

7. Willard, b. June 18, 1811. 

8. Permilia, b. February 21, 1814; m. Luther His- 

cox, December 28, 1837; d. 1889. 

9. Annis, b. September 13, 1816; m. Charles Jack- 

son, 



THE BUOBEE FAMILY. 289 

10. Jasper, b. June 2, 182 1. 

11. Justice, b. June 2, 1821. 

12. Joseph Snell, b. March zt^, 1832. 

Widow Betsey Bugbee married John Dixon, October 4, 
1842. 

Eleazar Bugbee, son of Jedediah, lived in the southeast 
part of town, northwest of North Ashford. He married 
Sarah Chapman, of Ashford. 

Ch. I. Amos, b. July 20, 1802. 

2. Lydia, b. September 7, 1804; m. John Hayward, 

October 2, 1825. 

3. Annis, b. June 12, 181 1; m. Aaron Gage, of Ash- 

ford, October 12, 1835. 

Newman Bugbee, son of Marcus, married Eliza Smith. 
Ch. I. Lucius Smith, b. June 9, 1826; m. Belinda A. 
Benjamin, of Springfield. 

2. William Harrison, b. April 16, 1828; m. Eveline 

Marcy, of Holland. 

3. Sylvia Corbin, b. April i, 1831; m. Arthur 

Brewer, 

4. Horatio Nelson; m. Mary Bicknell, April, 1873; 

d. December, 1877. 

5. Anson Allurein, b. February 27, 1837; d. Novem- 

ber 7, 1842. 

6. Mary Ann Smith, b. June 9, 1840; d. November 

27, 1842. 

Amos Bugbee, son of Eleazar, married, ist, Betsey Abbot; 

2nd, Nancy Howard. 
Ch. I. Eleazar Gilbert, b. March 18, 1823. 

2. Olive, b. April 25, 1825; m. Erastus C. Burley, 

October 27, 1844. 

3. Edward Oilman, b. October 25, 1830. 

4. Martha Ann vSaviah, b. September 25, 1834; m. 

Richmond Young. 

Jonathan Bugbee came from Woodstock, and lived on 
the Lieut. Abner Loomis place, where Eleazar Kinney lived 

19 



290 



GENEALOGIES. 



many years. He was a man of ready wit, and had a poetic 
vein. Here is a rhyme with which he closed a letter to Dr. 
Hammond, 

" Dear Doctor do remember 
To come and see me in September." 



He moved to Brookfield, Madison Co. 


N. Y. 


about 1805. 


He married Mo-rj Dean. 






Ch. I 


Eunice, m. Fiske. 






2 


Jonathan. 






3 


Ira, d. January 25, 1801. 






4 


Nathan. 






5 


Charity, m. Brown. 






6 


Wyman. 






7 


vSimeon. 






8 


Lucinda, m. Philip Allen. 






9 


Lydia. 






10 


Hannah, m. John Sessions. 







Noah Bump lived in the country between Mashapaug 
and Breakneck. He had three children, Shimei, Demetrius 
and Jonathan. 

Joshua Burgess came from Mansfield to Union, in 1747. 

He married Doroth}^ . 

Ch. I. Jonathan, b. January 29, 1748. 
Seth, b. March 31, 1750. 
Mary, b. February 29, 1752. 

4. Benjamin, b. April 6, 1754. 

5. Abiel, b. September 19, 1756. 



Jonathan Burke, was the son of Jonathan Burke, who 
in the year 177 1, lived at Windsor, N. Y. Jonathan Burke, 
of Union, bought land of Henry McNeil, December 26, 1770. 
He married Sarah Abbot, daughter of Caleb Abbott, 
November 11, 1754. She died November 12, 1761. He 
married again and moved to Har^land, Vt. 



THE BURLEY FAMILY. 291 

Ch. I. vSarah. 

2. Betsey, baptized August 10, 1760. 

3. Abigail, b. November 12, 1761; d. October 16, 

1800. 

4. Jonathan, died in the army. 

5. Joseph. 

THE BURLEY FAMILY. 

John Burley was one of the earliest settlers of Union, 
and the ancestor of a numerous posterity. He came from 
England with Gov. Belcher, when about fourteen years of 
age, probably about 1708. The name is of English origin 
and is spelled in a great variety of ways, the principal of 
which are Burley, Burly, and Burleigh. 

John Burley first leased land in Union of John Shaw, of 
Pomfret, November 17, 1842, but he lived in Union at least 
ten years previously. He married Miriam, daughter of 
Nathaniel and Anna Fuller, of Windham. She was born 
there March 10, 1708, and died December 4, 1787, at Union. 
They lived in the southeast part of town near Lost Pond, 
where Alexander Sessions afterwards built. 
Ch. I. John, b. October 8, 1731. 

2. Sarah, b. March 22, 1740; m. John Bascom,June 

9, 1763- 

3. Josiah, b. November 8, 1742. 

4. Samuel, b. September 22, 1745. 

5. Asaph, b. April 20, 1748. ' 

6. Alathea, b. April 18, 1751; m. Elijah Loomis, 

January 27, 1774. 

7. Jacob, b. June 5, 1756. 

John Burley Jr., lived in what is now Eastford, about 
a mile south of North Ashford. He married Persis 
Harwood, of Sutton, Mass., October 8, 1769. She was born 
in 1747. After his death in 1784, she married John Blanch- 
ard and had children. 

Ch. I. Cyrus, b. August 11, 1770; m. Sally Sprague; 
settled at Pittsford, N. Y., and had 12 chil- 
dren. 



292 GENEALOGIES. 

2. Belinda, b. February ii, 1772; m. Joab (or Jacob) 

Guild, of Woodstock, December 1796: had 11 
children, and died April 3, 1862. 

3. Rinaldo, b. February 20, 1774. 

4. Philena, b. February 11, 1776; d. January 6, 1781. 

5. Persis, b. April 2, 1778; m. Asahel Marcy, of 

West Woodstock, and had 6 children. 

6. Joseph, b. June 9, 1780. 

JosiAH BuRLEY, son of John vSr., married Hannah Hiscox, 
December 12, 1765. 

Ch. I. Cyril, b. April 9, 1767; m. Abigail Gleason, of 
Warren, Mass. 

2. Sarah, b. July 20, 1768; m. Rufus Thompson. 

3. Huldah, b. November 24, 1769; d. May 31, 1786. 

4. Matilda, b. February 12, 1772. 

5. Irene, b. March 10, 1774. 

6. Hannah, b. May 20, 1776. 

7. Luke, b. May 7, 1778; m. Ruhanna Perry, of 

Stafford, and had 15 children, one of whom, 
Hiram, became a Methodist minister. 

8. Rhoda, b. August 12, 1780; m. Walter Child, and 

settled in Cazenovia, N. Y. 

9. Josiah, b. June 20, 1783; d. January 23, 1790. 

10. Silas, b. April 20, 1786; m. Dorothy Perry, of 
Sta^ord. 
II. Willard, b. September 19, 1789; went to Ohio; 
afterwards to Iowa. 

Samuel Burley, son of John, Senior, was a farmer at 
Union, and moved to Monson in 1797. He married Rachel 
Roberts, of Union, May 16, 1775. 
Ch. I. Abner, b. April 2, 1776. 

2. Chloe, b. May 4, 1777; m. Joseph Enos, of 

Marcellus, N. Y.; had 5 children, and died 
January 19, 1843. 

3. Mercy, b. November 7, 1780; m. David Bob- 

bins, of Homer, N. Y., and had 9 children. 



THE BURLET FAMILY. 



293 



4. John, b. November 7, 1780; m. Martha Steb- 

bins; lived in Bennington, N. Y., and had 8 
children. 

5. Nancy, b. March 3, 1783; d. December 2, 1787. 

6. Mary, b. June 24, 1785; m. Amos Howard, of 

Eastford, November 27, 181 7, and had 4 chil- 
dren, Ephraim, Amos, Marvin and Reuben. 

7. Phebe, b. March 14, 1789; m. Asa Beebe, of 

Monson, Mass., and had 2 sons, Asa and 
Almon. 

8. Rachel, b. October 11, 1790; never married; d. 

January 2, 1880. 

9. Samuel, b. November 25, 1791; m. Aurelia M. 

Walker, of Wilbraham, Mass, and d. at Mon- 
son, or Sturbridge, September 5, 1841. 

10. Nancy, b. February r6, 1794; m. Orrin vSteb- 

bins, March 30, 181 9, and moved to Marcel- 
lus, N. Y.; 8 children. 

11. Esther, b. October 26, 1796; not married; lived 

in Monson. 

12. Lois, b. at Monson, February 5, 1799; m. 

Joseph C. Hicks, of Stafford; had 2 children, 
and d. January 28, 1857. 

13. Ira, b. April 7, 1801; m. Caroline Wood, of 

Wilbraham, Mass.; went to Michigan, and 
had 7 children. 

Jacob Burley, son of John, Senior, lived in the red 
house near the Mashapaug school-house. He joined the 
Continental army in 1775, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
and served through the entire war. He married Lucy 
Laflin (or McLaughlin), July 2, 1786. 

Ch. I. Huldah, b. at Tolland, September 24, 1786. 

2. Tryphena, b. March 25, 1788; m. Erastus Hor- 

ton, son of Deacon Ezra; they went to Cali- 
fornia in 1870; she died at her son's, A. E. 
Horton, of vSan Diego, March 5, 1873. 

3. Philena, b. February 16, 1790. 



294 GENEALOGIES. 

4. Ithiel, b. January 22, 1792; m. Jane Lawson, 

daughter of Ebenezer, and lived in Rich- 
ford, N. Y., where he was a surveyor, dis- 
tiller and farmer; had 13 children. 

5. Austin, b. January 28, 1794. 

6. John, b. May 25, 1796; m. Paulina Lawrence; 

he was a soldier in the war of 1812; had 6 
children. 

7. Orrin Fairbanks, b. July 10, 1799; m. Joanna 

Marybeth, January i, 1825; lived in Scott, 
Wayne county, Pa.; had 16 children. 

8. Asa, b. May 22, 1802; m. Laura Dorchester, of 

Tolland. 

9. Polly, b. May 22, 1802; m. Nathaniel Ormsby. 
10. Hiratn, b. May 22, 1804; d. 1839; was a lawyer 

in Ohio. 

RiN.ALDO Burleigh, son of John, Junior, lost an arm in 
a cider mill when he was a boy. He determined to obtain 
a liberal education. By dint of difficult and persevering- 
exertion he succeeded, almost unaided, in fitting himself 
for college. He graduated from Yale in 1803, and became 
one of the most successful of classical teachers. He acted 
successively as principal of the academies of Plainfield, 
Woodstock and Colchester. For over forty-five years he 
was deacon of the Congregational church at Plainfield, and 
was among the first to advocate the abolition of slavery 
and advocate other social reforms. During the last sixteen 
years of his life he was afflicted with total blindness, aris- 
ing from excessive study, and passed his last days on his 
farm at Plainfield. He married Lydia Bradford, of Can- 
terbury, Conn., September 5, 1805. 

1. Frances Mary Bradford, b. April i, 1807; m. 

Jesse Ames. 

2. Ashbel Green, b. April 4, 1808; d. August 8, 

1808. 

3. John Oscar, b. June 8, 1809; m. Eveline Moore, 

of Oxford, Mass. He was a teacher at 



TEE BTJRLEY FAMILY. ^gs 

Oxford, Brookline, and Grafton, and died 
July 20, 1848. 
4. Rev. Charles Calistus, b. November 3, 18 10; 
m. October 24, 1842, Gertrude Kimber, of 
Pennsylvania. He was fitted for colleg-e 
when II years old; commenced teaching- 
when 13, and was admitted to the bar of 
Windham county when 21. He was a strong 
anti-slavery advocate and as an extempora''- 
neous speaker and reasoner he had few 
equals. He lived successively at Plainfield, 
Philadelphia, and Bristol, Penn., Canterbury,' 
Conn., Vermont, and Florence, Mass. " He 
died June, 1878. 
5. William Henry, b. at Woodstock, February 2, 
1812; m. ist, Harriet A. Frink, of Stonington' 
2nd, Celia M. Burr, of Troy, N. Y., a famous 
lady preacher. He was a strong, faithful 
and conscientious worker for abolition, 
temperance and human progress. He died 
at Brooklyn, N. Y., March 18, 187 1. He left 
7 children, one of whom, Francis J. L. Bur- 
ley, has been on the staff of the New York 
lV(?r/i/, Times, Tribime and Witness. 
6. Rev. Lucian, b. December 3, 1817; m. April 4 
1843, Elizabeth M. Child, of East Woodstock,' 
and had 6 children. He was a well known 
temperance lecturer in Connecticut, West- 
chester Co., N. Y., and Wisconsin. He was 
principal of Plainfield Academy from 1854 to 
1859. After preaching in several places he 
became agent of the Connecticut Temperance 
Union, in 1865, which position he occupied 
till 1879. 

7. Cyrus Moses, b. February 8, 1820, was also a 

temperance lecturer, and died in 1855. 

8. George Shepard, b. March 26, 182 1; m. Mary 

Burgess, and lived at Little Compton. He 
was a writer. 



296 GENE A L GIES. 

Dea. Joseph Burley, son of John, Jr., lived where his 
son John now does. He was chosen deacon of the Baptist 
church at North Ashford, May 2, 1829. He married Alethea 
Farnham, of Ashford, April 28, 181 1 (she was born October 
14, 1788). Joseph Burley died January 16, 1873. Alethea 
(or Althea), his wife, died October 2, 1883, ag-ed 95, having 
been for some time the oldest person in the town. 

Ch. I. Eliza, b. March 20, 1812; d. February 22, 1814. 

2. William Palmer, b. August 28, 181 3. 

3. John, b. October 4, 18 15. 

4. Erastus Collins, b. June 22, 1820. 

Silas Burley, son of Josiah, lived at Stafford; married 
Dorothy Perry, of Stafford, July 2, 1808; 2nd, Azubah 
Dean, of Stafford, January 22, 1851. He died January 15, 

1855- 

Ch. I. Ferdinand Lethbridge, b. August 26, 1809; m. 
Louisa Colburn, of Wales, August 31, 1834. 
He was first a school-teacher and farmer, 
then a wool-sorter at Wales, Mass., where he 
held many town offices. He had 3 children. 

2. Cordelia, b. July 18, 1812; d. October 23, 1836. 

3. Langdon E., b. December 18, 1813; d. April 4, 

1838. 

4. El well Perry, b. October 12, 1815; m. ist, Char- 

lotte Partridge, of Holland, April 9, 1840; 
2nd, Rebecca Sweetzer, March 26, 1850; lived 
at Holland and had 4 children. 

5. Ruhama V., b. August 31, 1817; d. January 16, 

1836. 

6. Josiah Hart well, b. March 17, 181 9; m. Elvira 

Dorman, of Monson. 

7. Lenora B., b. April 17, 1821; m. ist, William 

Ruby; 2nd, Charles Russell, of Stafford; had 
4 children. 

Abner Burley, son of Samuel, m. ist, Lovisa Cleveland, 
May 5, 1805; 2nd, Deborah Hawse, February i, 1826. He 



THE BURLEY FAMILY. 



297 



was a farmer at Monson, Mass., and died at Wilbraham, 
Mass., February 14, i860. 

Ch. I. Abner Cleveland, b. June 11. 1807; lived at 
Hampden, Mass 

2. Benjamin Arnold, b. January 13, 181 1; m. Han- 

nah Smith, of West Springfield; lived at Pal- 
mer, where he was an architect and a re- 
spected citizen. His son. Dr. William Elizur 
(b. September 13, 1843), studied medicine at 
Philadelphia, and graduated at Maryland 
University, in 1865. He was a surgeon in 
the army hospital, and afterwards practiced 
medicine in New York city, Selma, Ala., St. 
Louis, Mo., and San Francisco. 

3. Lovisa Amelia, b. February 18, 18 15; m. Abner 

Read. 

Children by Deborah Hawse. 

4. Joseph, b. January 11, 1827; m. Nancy Whitney; 

lives at Taunton, Mass. 

5. Elizabeth, b. June 23, 1829; d. September 14, 

1845. 

6. Jacob, b. April 26, 1834; lives at Holland, Mass. 

William Palmer Burley, son of Dea. Joseph, married 
Mary Dorsett, of Woodstock, in 1835. 

Ch. I. Joseph, b. vSeptember, 1836; m. Mary E. Bugbee, 
September 18, 1862, and had 4 children, Will- 
iam A., Orlo A., John W., and Ernest. 

2. John W., b. February, 1838; d. in the army, April 

8, 1864. 

3. Alvin L., b. February 24, 1840; m. Minnie Stod- 

dard. 

Dea. John Burlev is the only representative now in 
town of the numerous descendants of John Burley, the first 
settler. He has always lived where his father, Dea. Joseph 
did. He was chosen deacon of the Baptist church at North 
Ashford, February 2, 1867. He has also been clerk and 



298 GENEALOGIES. 

treasurer for nearly forty years, and is one of the strong 
pillars of the church. He married Elmina Gage, daughter 
of Rev. Leonard Gage, February 8, 1842. They have no 
children. 

Erastus C. Burley, son of Dea. Joseph, married Olive 
Bugbee, daughter of Amos, October 27, 1844. 

Ch. I. Emerson C, b. August ri, 1845; m. Delia John- 
son. 

2. Charles Bugbee, b. May 16, 1853; d. October 27, 

1863. 

3. Frank P., b. February 11, 1863; d. August i, 1864. 

4. Alethea Farnham, b. August 21, 1865. 



William Campbell came from Oxford, Mass. With 
John Laflin of Stowe, Mass., he bought land in Union of 
John Campbell, September 29, 1740. 

Ch. I. William, lived at Southwick, Mass. 
Joseph. 

Annis, m. Daniel Lee of Southwick, Mass. 
Lucy, m. George Granger of Southwick, Mass. 
Mary, m. John Nelson of Southwick, Mass. 
Elizabeth, m. Joel Pease. 



Alexander Campbell lived in the west part of town. 
He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Char- 
lotte Sands of vStafford. 

Ch. I. Minerva, b. Jan. 27, 1816; m. Sands. 

Almeda, b. March 26, 1818; m. Josiah R. James. 
Alexander, b. February 29, 1820. 
Charlotte, b. October 9, 1822. 
Mason, b. October 12, 1830. 



Uriah Carpenter, Jr., of vStafford, lived in Union. He 
married Lucy Wyman, daughter of Rev. Eb. Wyman, De- 
cember 5, 1759. 

Ch. I. Martha, b. November 30, 1761; m. Samuel 
Laflin, January 10, 1782. 



CARPENTER-CHAFFEE. 299 

2. Frederick, b. January 6, 1766; lived at Warren 
and Brimfield. 

Palmer Carpenter, married Lydia . 

Ch. I. Charles Palmer, b. May 17, 1841. 
2. Adeline Parmelia, b. June 5, 1843. 

Horatio Carpenter of Woodstock, married for his 
second wife Lavinia Holman Goodale, March 2, 1856. He 
lived south of the East school-house till 1877', when he 
moved to Woodstock. He 'died in 1884. 

Waldo Carpenter, son of Horatio, married Justitia ■ 
Goodale. 

Ch. I. Grace, b. April 5, 1874. 

2. Ethel. 

3. Edith. 

4. Inez. 



Elbridge Cass came from Meriden to Union about the 
year 1822, and lived first on the Eaton place, so called. 
Then he removed to the Wm. Abbott (Jesse Hall) place. 
He built the saw-mill and house near Capt. Paul's. 
Ch. I. Libeus, died September 27, 1844. 
2. Elisha. 
3- Sally. 

Samuel Chamberlain came to Union from Woburn, 
Mass. He bought 150 acres of land with one-half the saw- 
mill of Edward Houghton, January 23, 1746. His wife's 
name was Lydia. 

Ch. I. Lydia, b. March 5, 1745. 

2. Samuel, b. September 14, 1746. 

3. Susanna, b. July 28, 1748. 



GuRDON Chaffee, son of Amos of Ashford, born May 
10, 1837, married, first, Sarah Salome, daughter of Walter 



300 



GENEALOGIES. 



Lyon, September 24, 1863. She died August 24, 1868. He 
married, second, Caroline Capwell, July 4th, 1869. He had 
been a soldier in the 22nd Regt. Conn. Volunteers. He 
lived on the Coye hill until the house was burnt, July 4, 
1886. 

Ch. I. Amos Francis, b. October i, 1864; m. Phebe 
Capwell, widow of ; has two children. 

2. Elmer Ellsworth, b. December 21, 1866. 

3. Walter Urigene, b. August 14, 1868; d. Sept. 12, 

1868. 
Gurdon Chaffee died May 5, 1889. 



CHAPIN FAMILY. 

Rev. Nathaniel Chapin was born at Enfield, Conn., 1763, 
and died at Warehouse Point, January, 1849. 

He came to Union in April, 1803, and preached as stated 
supply for several years. He belonged to the Methodist 
denomination, although he preached for the Congrega- 
tional church for several years. 

He moved to Somers in 1815, then to Enfield, and finally 
to Warehouse Point. He married, first, Cynthia Perkins of 
Enfield; he married second time, Lovisa Saxton of Enfield. 



Ch. 



Cynthia, m. vStephen Root of Enfield. 

Henry, died. 

Lovisa. 

Henry, b. March 15, 1790. 

Charlotte, b. October 29, 1792; m. Capt. »Samuel 

Corbin of Union. 
Nathaniel, lived in Illinois. 
Sibyl. 

Charles, died. 
Miranda. 

Eliza, b. October 6, 1803, at Union. 
Charles, b. February 16, 1806, at Union; lived 

in Illinois. 



THE CHILD FAMILY. 



CHILD FAMILY 



Ebenezkr Child, Sr., came from Woodstock to Union, 
and bought of his son, Ebenezer, the farm called the Hitch- 
cock place, now owned by the Newells, where he lived 
several years. He was quite a prominent man during his 
stay here, being a leading supporter of Rev. Mr. Horton 
during those troubles which led to his dismission in 1783. 
Ebenezer Child was the sixth child of Benjamin Child of 
Roxbury, Mass., and was born September 7, 1693. He died 
at Union in 1774. He married Elizabeth Bacon and had 
9 children. 

Ebenezer Child, Jr., was born April 17, 1729. He mar- 
ried, first, Charity Bugbee, May 9, 1754. 

It is supposed that he married, second, Alice Cobb of 
Union, November i, 1775. He bought land of Samuel 
Peake May 6, 1769. This land was part of the house lot, 
and the building owned by Rev. Caleb Hitchcock, where 
the Newells now live. He sold this land to his father and 
emigrated to Brandon, Vt. 

Ch. I. Sophia, b. March 7, 1755; m. Simeon Wright 
October 6, 1774; d. July 19, 1781. 

2. Penuel, b. May 7, 1757; d. at Brandon, Vt., 

August 22, 1842. 

3. Pearly, b. December 5, 1760; d. May 30, 181 2. 

4. Ebenezer; died young. 

5. Bethia; died young. 

6. Elizabeth, b. December 29, 1766; d. May 31, 

1844, at Marietta, O. 

7. Ebenezer, b. August 17, 1770. 

Capt. Penuel Child, son of Ebenezer, bought the 
Marcy place just north of the old cemetery, in 1784, of 
Daniel Loomis. Afterwards he bought of Elijah Torrey, 
December 26, 1789, the farm where E. Mason Horton now 
lives, and lived there some years, selling it April 19, 1796, 
to Solomon and Jonathan Nelson of Northbridge, Mass. 
Capt. Child moved not long after to Brandon, Vt. He 



302 



GENEALOGIES. 



married Charlotte Looniis, eldest daughter of Lieut. Daniel 
Loomis, October ii, 1781. 

Ch. I. RelphaAdolphus,b. February 12, 1782, at Union. 

2. John Burnap, b'. June 25, 1786, at Union. 

3. Fred. Augustus, b. December 11, 1788, at Union. 

4. Putnam, b. at Brandon, Vt. 

There have been several non-resident land-holders by 
the name of Child, from Woodstock. 

John Child of Woodstock bought land of Daniel wStowell, 
March 21, 1768. 

Shubael Child bought land of Jabez Hendrick, January 
18, 1762. This was the lot east of the Gulf hill and south 
of the pond, known as the " Benjamin Walker lot." 

Parley Child, son of Ebenezer, Jr., bought land of Eben- 
ezer, Sr., August 18, 1784. 



Aaron Clark of Lebanon, bought land of Nath. Walker, 
December 4, 1734. This was the lot known as No. 3 of the 
home lots, and originally contained 175 acres. The south 
line of this lot was long a noted line having the famous 
chestnut tree for its limit on the Town street and the more 
famous rock W. W. for its eastern bound, "lying on the 
east side of a litl brook." Aaron Clark of Lebanon deeded 
this lot to his son Aaron in 1735. The chestnut tree above 
referred to was in 1820 about 3^4 feet in diameter and 
nearly dead. It was cut down about 1840, and a black oak 
grew up in its place. This young oak Dr. Shubael Ham- 
mond regarded with great interest as being the successor 
of the old chestnut. Aaron Clark, Jr., owned land west of 
the road and is said to have lived in the valley between 
the house of Dr. Hammond and the Kinney or Bugbee 
place, west. He sold lot No. 3 to Peres Sprague in 1754. 
He owned the Chauncey Paul place, which he sold to Robt. 
Paul, Jr., in 1770, and removed to ^Salisbury, Conn. He 
married in Lebanon, Sarah . 

Ch. I. Mary, b. September 19, 1743. 
2. Sarah, b. June 15, 1745. 



CLARK, CLEVELAND. 



3°: 



Aaron, b. August 22, 1747. 

David, b. July 3, 1749; d. January 27, 1754. 

Esther, b. August 19, 1752. 

David, b. August 20, 1756. 

Elizabeth, b. July 27, 1759. 



John Clark came from Woodstock to Union and lived 
for many years on the place where Benjamin Corbin after- 
wards did. His wife was Sarah Chamberlain. He re- 
turned to Woodstock and died, aged about 93. 
Ch. I. Lavinia, m. Ezra Lillie, Jr. 
Thaddeus, m. Lucy Webber. 
John, m. Polly Ledoyt. 

4. Damaris, d. about 1801. 

5. Damaris, 2d, m. Chester Marcy. 



Pain Cleveland came from Tolland to Union, where 
with Isaac Fellows he bought the place where E. M. Hor- 
ton now lives, October 26, 1796. This place he sold Jan- 
uary 2, 1802, to Levi Adams of Medbury, and moved to 
the farm where he and his son Solomon afteawards lived. 
He married Alice Cleveland, who was born December 16, 
1767, and died October 18, 1820. Pain Cleveland was born 
May 3, 1769, and died February 6, 185 1. 
Ch. I. Lorinda, b. September 7, 1792. 

2. Church, b. July 17, 1794. 

3. Orange, b. July 7, 1796; lived in Tolland. 

4. Marlin, b. June 12, 1798. 

5. Susanna, b. April 23, 1800; d. April 7, 1824. 

6. Patty, b. March 28, 1802; d. April 22, 1833. 

7. Freeman, b. March 16, 1804; d. October 13, 1830. 

(Killed in lead mine). 

8. John, b. May 1806; d. December 14, 1825. 

9. Anna, b. April 20, 1808; m. Augustus Tourtel- 

lotte of Sturbridge, May 31, 1832; d. April 
12, 1840. 
10. Solomon, b. January 27, 181 2. 



3°4 



GENEALOGIES. 



Solomon Cleveland, son of Pain, married Lucy Reed 
of Vernon, Conn., January 27, 1832. He died October 17, 
1878. She died January 21, 1892. 

Ch. I. Mary Ann, b; June 12, 1833; d. November 20, 
1891. 
Sarah Jane, b. January 24, 1835; m. Ephraim 

W. Squire of Eastford, March 26, 1853. 
Clarissa, b. February 23, 1838; m. Nelson Skin- 
ner of Monson, September 5, 1868. 
4. Francis, b. March 23, 1843; m. Lavinia H. 
Chaffee, November 13, 1864. 
Reed, b. August 27, 1847. 



John Cobb bought land of Amos Woodworth in 1764. 

This land was in the western part of No. i, and was on the 

east side of the road between the Newell and the Mason 

Horton places. He sold it in 1785 to Th. Sprague. 

Ch. I. Hannah, m. Th. Sprague, January 28, 1768. 

2. Alice, m. Eb. Child, November i, 1775. 



George D. Colburn, son of Daniel, was born in .Staf- 
ford, February 11, 18 19. He was engaged in the brass 
foundry business for a time at New Haven. He came to 
Union in 1848 and purchased the Samuel vStrong place, 
where he has since lived. He represented the town in the 
Legislatures of 1857, '58, '62, '69 and '70, and has held other 
town offices. He married Elizabeth Wallace, October 15, 
1845. She died January 8, 1892. 

Ch. I. Georgiana E., b. August 7, 1846; m. Morgan 
Reed, October 23, 1876. 

2. Ella A., b. May 8, 1848; m. Francis Upham, 

April 12, 1872. 

3. Marion E., b. March 2, 1850; m. Edwin G. 

Goodell, April 12, 1877. 

4. Alice F. E., b. June 27, 1866; d. May 21, 1872. 




George D. Colburn. 



COMSTOCK, CONVERSE, CORBIN. 305 

Israel Comstock came from Thompson to Union not 
far from 181 9. He first owned tlie Laflin (Prosper Smith) 
place, and afterwards the Mashapaug- mills. 

His children, born before he came to Union, were : 
Ch. I. George. 

2. Israel, m. Deborah A. Walbridge. 

3. Urilla, m. Grosvenor May of Holland, Septem- 

ber 29, 1827. 

4. Ardilla, m. Ed. Aldrich of Thompson, February 

22, 1830. 

5. Hiram. 

6. Janet, m. Goodale of Charlton, April 8, 1834. 

7. Sally, m. Henry Stetson of Woodstock. 

8. Martha, m. Roswell Goodale of Charlton, 

March, 1838. 

9. Almira. 



Ch. 



Benjamin Converse came from Rhode Island to Union 
about 1790. 

John. 

Polly or Mary, m. Abram Holman. 

Rebecca, m. Geo. Leonard. 

Henry, m. Mascraft. 

Cyprian, m. Laura Moore. 

Freelove, m. Eleazar Fiske. 

Benjamin, m. Hannah Ellis. 

Dorcas, m. Barlow. 

Palmer, m. Tyler. 

Enoch. 



THE CORBIN FAMILY. 

David Corbin came from Woodstock, and settled in 
Union, about the year 1793; he was the son of Asahel Cor- 
bin of Woodstock — born March 5, 1739 or '40 — who married 
Jerusha Morse. The father of Asahel was Benjamin Cor- 
bin, born March 23, 1703 or 4, and married Jemima Cutler, 
April 19, 1731, and had four children, of which Asahel was 



3o6 GENEALOGIES. 

the third. Benjamin Corbin was the seventh child of 
Jabez Corbin, and his wife Mary Morse. 

Jabez Corbin was a first settler of Woodstock, from 
Roxbury. Miss Larned says that Jabez Corbin's lot was 
No. 48, "and joined the lot of James Corbin," his father. 
James Corbin was one of the most extensive and enter- 
prising land agents of Windham county. Probably James 
Corbin was the ancestor of ]\Ir. Philip Corbin. 

AsAHEL Corbin, of Woodstock, the son of Benjamin, 
married Jernsha Morse. 

Ch. I. David, b. February 16, 1766. 
Molly, b. February 16, 1766. 
Rhoda, b. March 10, 1768, m. Simeon Lillie. 

4. Kcziah, b. May 20, 1770. 

5. vSilvia, b. February 20, 1775, m. Marcus Bugbee. 

6. Jerusha, b. December 7, 1778, m. Leonard 

Goodell. 

7. Amasa, m. Rebecca Hayward. 

David Corp.in, lived in Woodstock, on the place where 
James Herindeen now lives. He came to Union about 
1795, and bought of John Clark the place where he and his 
son Benjamin afterwards lived. He married Mary Bugbee, 
daughter of Jedediah. He died March 12, 1841. She died 
March 24, 1855. 

Ch. 1. Asa, b. at Woodstock, March 24, 1793. 

2. Benjamin, b. at Woodstock, October 20, 1794. 

3. Elias, b. at Union, May 25, 1797; m. Bethiah 

Beebe. 

4. Eleazar, b. at Union, May 5, 1799, m. Dicea 

Crawford. 

5. Nathan, b. at Union, August 11, 1801, m. Ann 

Sumner, d. March 17, 1842. 

6. Polly, b. at Union, December 25, 1804, m. David 

Lawson, 1844. 

7. Anna, b. at Union, Aug. 28, 1809, m. Charles W. 

Moore, of Ellington, May 30, 1830. 




Mrs. Benjamin Corbin. 







Benjamin Corbin. 



TEE CORBIN FAMILY. 



307 



Benjamin Corbin, son of David, was for many years a 
prominent and well known citizen of Union. He was 
entrusted with many town offices, and performed his duties 
faithfully, being a man of strict integrity. He represented 
the town in the legislature six times, between 1828 and 
1840. He was a member of the Baptist church at North 
Ashford, and was a deacon of it for a number of years. 
He was a man of strong convictions of right and wrong 
and always wanted to see the right triumph. Men of his 
firm character and solid worth are of value to every com - 
munity. He married Maria Potter (b. April 3, 1804), daugh- 
ter of Silas Potter, of Ashford, June 2, 1830. He died May 
5, 1880. 

Ch. 1. Emeline Maria, b. June 11, 1831, d. August 14, 

1833. 

2. David Potter, b. July 11, 1833. 

3. William Melvin, b. May 13, 1835. 

4. Milton, b. December 23, 1838, d. December 27, 

1838. 

5. Charles Mason, b. April i, 1840. 

6. John Warren, b. July 7, 1844. 

David P. Corbin, son of Benjamin (see biographical 
sketch), married Mary Sheldon of Suffield, Conn. He died 
at Larned, Kansas, March 15, 1880. 

Ch. Frank Warren, b. January 28, 1865. He graduated 
from the Hartford High School in 1884, and 
in the fall of that year commenced to study 
medicine at the University of New York. 
He died of quick consumption, June 21, 1886. 
He was a promising youth of most excellent 
character and his early death was greatl}' 
lamented by those who knew him. When he 
knew he could not live, he said his only 
regret was " that his mother had not some 
other child to love." 



3o8 GENEALOGIES. 

William M. Corbin, son of Benjamin (see biographical 
sketch), married Josephine Walker, daughter of Harvey 
Walker, June 27, i860. 

Ch. I. William Herbert, b. July 20, 1864. 

2. Annie Laura, b. May 31, 1867; graduated from 

Hartford High School in 1886; married 
James Allen Wiley, of Hartford, July 16, 
1890, at Manchester, Conn. 

3. Junius Benjamin, b. October 9, 1869; is in busi- 

ness in New York with his uncle, John W. 
Corbin. 

4. Harvey Walker, b. May 10, 1872; graduated 

from Hartford High School, in 1890; is in 
the bank of the Connecticut Trust Co., at 
Hartford. 

Charles Mason Corbin, son of Benjamin, resides in 
Philadelphia, Pa. He was in the army in the late war, 
for three months, in 1862, in Co. B, loth R. I. Infantry. 
He enlisted from Providence, where he was attending 
Brown University. He went to Philadelphia, and was 
many years engaged in the millinery business. He is 
now the Philadelphia agent of the Tompkins' Cure for 
Bright's Disease. He married Margaret Spendlove, of 
New York, (b. October 22, 1843). 

Ch. I. Harry Squire, b. March 22, 1869. 

2. Edith Allison, b. September 15, 1885. 

John Warren Corbin, the youngest son of Benjamin 
and Maria Potter Corbin, was born in Union, July 7th, 1844. 

He received the benefits of the common and select 
schools of his native town, one term at Providence, R. I., 
and two years at the Connecticut Literary Institute at Suf- 
field. Conn., from which point he enlisted in the twenty- 
second Regiment Conn. Volunteers. 

He went into camp at Hartford, but on account of the 
serious illness of his father, Frank Walker of Union, was 
secured as a substitute, answering to the name of J. W. 
Corbin, until the time of his death. Mr. Corbin afterwards 



THE VORBIN FAMILY. 309 

taught school, was engaged in business for himself in Wil- 
limantic and Providence, from which point in 1874, he 
went to Europe, where he traveled extensively in the 
interest of the Atlantic Tubing Company of Providence, 
R. I., going even to St. Petersburg in Russia, making a 
very successful business and pleasure trip. Later he 
■arranged to travel for the Howe Scale Company of Phila- 
delphia, where he remained three years, when he was 
offered the charge of the vSouthern Business of the Howe 
Scale Company of New York, which position he accepted 
and successfully held for eight years, spending eight 
months of each year in the Southern States and Texas. 

He resigned this position September ist, 1890, to form 
the Tompkins Bright's Disease Cure Company in New 
York, as the development of the wonderful medicine that 
saved the life of William M. Corbin, had been his greatest 
ambition for the previous four years. In company with D. 
W. Simpson of Aurora, Illinois, and William M. Corbin, 
he formed an equal partnership with Mr. E. S. Tompkins, 
and was at once appointed General Manager of the com- 
pany, which position he at present continues to hold. The 
record of the most remarkable cures of Bright's Disease 
and also of Diabetes, by a separate and distinct remedy, 
has no equal. No one can estimate the far reaching results 
and the benefits already rendered by this company, and 
there is no question but what these herbal preparations are 
among the most important discoveries of the nineteenth 
century. 

William H. Corbin, son of William M., graduated from 
the Hartford High vSchool, in 1884. He entered Yale col- 
lege in 1885, and graduated in 1889. While there he 
became noted in athletics, being captain of the victorious 
Varsity foot-ball team of '88, and rowing on the winning 
boat crews of '88 and '89. He was active in the religious 
work of the University, and had a strong influence for 
good on the students of Yale. He married Mary Williams 
of Manchester, July 16, 1890, a classmate of his in the 



3 1 o GENE A LOGIES. 

Hartford High School. He taught three 3-ears after grad- 
uating, at Dobb's Ferry, N. Y., and is now the head master 
of the Pingry school, in Elizabeth, N. J. 



Philip Corbin, son of Lemuel, and probably descended 
from James Corbin, one. of the first settlers of Woodstock 
(also the ancestor of David Corbin), came to Union from 
Dudley, Mass., in 1793. He bought land of James Thomp- 
son as early as 1795. He lived in a house which stood 
west of the present one where Mr. Barber lives. He was a 
man of more than ordinary powers of body and mind, 
which, guided by stern integrity, gave him an influence 
largely felt wherever he went. He was a farmer, owning 
a large tract of land. He used to manufacture potash in 
considerable quantities, which he sold at Norwich. He at 
one time owned part of the Mashapaug saw-mill. He was 
selectman a number of years, and represented his town in 
the Legislature in 18 14 and 1815. He was a prominent and 
influential member of the church at Union, and one of the 
building committee of the present meeting-house. He mar- 
ried Rhoby Healy, of Dudley. 

Ch. I. Samuel, b. at Dudley, February 11, 1792. 

2. Polly, b. at Union, jVIay 28, 1795; m. Joseph C. 

Griggs. 

3. Philip, b. at Union, April 4, 1797. 

4. Healy, b. at L'^nion, June 8, 1799. 

5. Augustus, b. at Union, September 18, 1801. 

6. Hermon, b. at Union, May 20, 1806. 
Philip Corbin died May 2, 1845, aged 80. 
Rhoby Corbin died June 15, 1840, aged 72. 

Captain Samuel Corbin, son of Philip, married Char- 
lotte Chapin, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Chapin, of 
Union, March 30, 18 15. 

Captain Corbin, after he was of age, settled on a farm 
adjoining his father's (where his son Henry now lives). 
He was the captain of the company of militia in town. He 
was selectman a number of years, represented his town 



THE COY FAMILY. 315 

1868. wShe died July 2, 1880. He married, second, Sarah 
Billings Brown, June 2, 1881. 

Ch. T. Minnie Jane, b. November 26, 187 1. 

2. Herbert Miner, b. June 2, 1873. 

3. Arthur, b. December 2, 1875; d. December 3, 

1875- 

4. Walter Everett, b. October 28, 1885. 

5. Erford Healy, b. February 26, 1889. 

Lucius Anson Corbin, son of Deacon Penuel, Junior, 
of Woodstock, came to Union in 1857, and bought of Bert 
Crawford the place where he now lives. He has been select- 
man several times and held many other town offices. He 
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
Mashapaug from its organization in 1867. He married 
December 17, 1856, Elmira Sophia, daughter of Benjamin 
Chamberlain. 

Ch. I. Bertha Lilian, b. August 18, 1864; m. Robert 
Webster, 1886. 
2. Ernest Albert, b. April 2, 1872. 

THE COY FAMILY. 

Nehemiah Mark Coy (or Coye) came from Pomfret to 
Union. His father, Nehemiah, came from Scotland. The 
son, Nehemiah, bought land in Union of Samuel Chamber- 
lain, April 6, 1749. He married, first, Sarah Church; 
second, Mary Birch. 
Ch. I. Nehemiah. 

2. Amasa, d. November 6, 1776. 

3. Archibald, b. May 6, 1741. 

4. Abigail. 

5. Margaret. 

6. Mary (?), b. 1752. 

Nehemiah Coy, son of Nehemiah, married vSarah Birch, 
September 28, 1749. 

Ch. I. Nehemiah, b. January 7, 1755. 
2. Abel, b. August 3, 1757. 



.^i6 



GENEALOGIES. 



Archibald Coye, son of Nehemiah, lived on the Allen 
Wales place, south of the Kinney mills. He was a promi- 
nent citizen, holding man}" town offices. He married 
Elizabeth Badger, daughter of Daniel Badger, Jr., Decem- 
ber 25, 1760. He died April i, 1794, aged 52. His wife, 
Elizabeth, died May 28, 1806, aged 66. 

Ch. I. Perley, b. June 28, 1761; d. in the Revolution- 
ary army, December, 1781. 
Levi, b. March 31, 1763. 
Luke, b. January 27, 1765. 
Chloe, b. December 15, 1766; m. Joel Kinney. 
Rufus, b. November 26, 1768; d. March 14. 1813. 
Molly, b. February 7, 1770. 
David, b. March 2, 1772. 

Irene Kinney, b. June 3, 1775; d. January 27, 1777. 
9. Abigail, b. January 25, 1778; m. Abner Howard. 

10. Nehemiah, b. March 5, 1780. 

11. Elizabeth, b. May 31, 1782. 

AiMASA CoYE, son of Nehemiah, lived south of the road 
between the places where Thomas Rindge and George 
Chandler now reside. He married Sarah Hill, of Ashford, 
September 2, 1773. He died November 6, 1776. 

Ch. I. Ariel, b. August 14, 1774. 

2. Amasa, b. November 20, 1776. 

Levi Coye, son of Archibald, lived on the hill where 
Walter Lyon and Gurdon Chaffee afterwards did. He 
married Hannah Lillie, February 15, 1785. 
Ch. I. Irene, m. William Walker. 

2. Parley, m. Olive Underwood. 

3. Eli, m. Nancy Walker, February 13, 1827. 

4. Charlotte, b. June 27, 1791. 

5. Amasa, b. April 30, 1798; m. Orinda Sessions. 

6. Antony, b. January 8, 1804. 

7. Hannah, b. June 3, 1806. 

David Coye, son of Archibald, lived east of Bigelow 
river near the Allen Wales place. He married Lucy, 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 



317 



daughter of Nathan Kinney, December 26, 1793. He died 
September 18, 1831. Lucy Coye died January 31, 1881. 
Ch. I. Luranna, b. March i, 17 98; m. Jason Hawes. 

Asa, b. September 17, 1799; m. Anna Griggs, 

December 14, 1826; d. November 9, 1843. 
Cyrus, b. January 27, 1802. 
Nancy, b. December 16, 1803; m. Deacon Healy 

Corbin. 
Eliza, b. December 28, 1805. 
Lucy, b. April 13, 1808; d. February 7, 1835. 
Minerva, b. August 24, 181 2; m. Deacon vSulli- 
van Booth. 



Deacon Humphrey Cram was one of the original mem- 
bers of the church at Union, and the first deacon. He lived 
just over the line in South Brimfield, and it is about him 
that the story is told of James McNall's objecting to his 
praying at the raising of the meeting-house, because "he 
did not own a foot of land in town." He married Hannah. 
Ch. I. Sarah, m. John Rosebrooks, April 10, 1760. 

2. Mehitable, b. April 15, 1745; m. Jonah Loomis, 

October 18, 1764. 

3. Jonah, b. March 9, 1747. 

4. Chloe, b November 25, 1750. 

THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 

The name Crawford is Scotch in whatever country found. 
The Crawfords who came to this country were of the Scotch- 
Irish descent. The Crawford families of Rutland and Oak- 
ham, Mass., who came to this country in 17 13, were descended 
from Aaron Crav/ford, who was born in the Parish of Cappy, 
county of Tyrone, Ireland. Two brothers, James and John, 
came to this country from Ireland. James Crawford first 
settled in Newton, Mass., and afterwards in Union, where 
he was voted an inhabitant in 1740, and land surveyor in 
1743. He became a large land-holder, purchasing his land 
of Samuel Wells of Hartford, January 26, 1742-43. He and 



3i8 GENEALOGIES. 

his sons owned and occupied the farms where Dea. Lawson 
now lives, where Fayette Crawford lives, also the Walter 
Lyon place, the Asa Putnam farm, and the Benjamin Cor- 
bin place (where George W. Thayer now lives). 

In 1 769 they sold all their possessions in Union and moved 
to Westminster, Vt. James Crawford, Jr., married Grace 
Carpenter, of Ashford, a woman of great intelligence and 
force of character. Their only son, Theophilus, who was 
five years old when his father left Union, became promi- 
nent in the early history of Vermont. When James Craw- 
ford and his sons left Union in 1769, the journey above 
Hadley Falls was performed in a canoe or log boat. Reach- 
ing the old Fort Drummer in a rain storm, the boy Theophi- 
lus, five years old, was carried from the boat to the fort by 
William French, of early Revolutionary fame, whose father 
then occupied it as a dwelling house. Theophilus Craw- 
ford, son of James 2nd, is mentioned in Hall's histor}' of 
East Vermont, with respect. He was educated by his 
mother, a woman of great character. He was highly 
esteemed in public life. He died January 10, 1856, aged 91. 

John Crawford, son of James, Sr., lived where George 
Thayer now does (the Benjamin Corbin place). He married 
Mary Rosebrooks, and emigrated with his father to Ver- 
mont, where he settled, first at Brookline, and afterwards 
at Guildhall. He had a large family, of which his son Abel 
was born at Union, December 31, 1766. 

Abel Crawford moved to the White Mountains, where 
he settled, first, at Nash and Sawyer's location, and then 
moved to Hart's location in the White Mountains, N. H. 
This place in modern times is called the "Notch." Abel 
Crawford was called the " Patriarch of the White Moun- 
tains." He was a member of the New Hampshire Legisla- 
ture several times, twice after he was 80 years of age. He 
always kept a public house. Mt. Crawford, Crawford Notch, 
and the Crawford House, are all named from him. He rode 
at 75 years, the first horse that ever ascended to the top of 
Mt. Washington. At 80 years of age, he would walk five 
miles. He died July 15, 185 1, aged 84. He married his 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 



ii9 



cousin, Hannah Rosebrooks, daughter of Eleazar Rose- 
brooks, of Union, and who afterwards settled in the White 
Mountains, and was very enterprising. All of Abel Craw- 
ford's sons were over six feet high. 

Ethan Allen Crawford, son of Abel, was nearly seven feet 
tall and was called the "Giant of the Mountains." He could 
carry a person up the steep mountain sides where scarcely 
a man dared to follow. Man}^ were the battles with bears 
and other wild beasts which he had in those lone woods, 
and in which he nearly always came off victorious. He was 
a long time guide on the then perilous trips to the top of 
Mt. Washington, and made nearly all the bridle-paths of 
the mountains. 

The following is the genealogy of the descendants of 
James Crawford: 

James Crawford married Elizabeth Campbell. She was 
the sister of Margaret Campbell, who married Hugh Craw- 
ford, nephew of James. They were also of Scotch descent, 
though born in Ireland. They were Protestants, and Mar- 
garet C. Crawford told her grandson, Ingoldsby W., that 
her grandmother suffered in the siege of Derry. The 
Catholics came in the night, burned the house, and killed 
her father and mother. She escaped from the chamber 
window in her night clothes and was the only one of her 
family saved. She Avandered in the fields four weeks, living 
on roots. While wandering she saw a company of mur- 
derers and took refuge under a bridge which they passed 
over. 

The children of James Crawford and Elizabeth Camp- 
bell were: 

Ch. r. Robert, probably born in Ireland. 

2. James, b. at Boston, 1733; d. at Putney, Vt., Jan- 

uary 10, 1807. 

3. John, b. 1734; d. at Guildhall, Vt., August 15, 

1817. 

4. William, b. at Union, July 28, 1743. 

5. Hugh. 



320 QENEALOOIES. 

6. Margaret, m. William Moore, son of Robert. 

7. Jane, b. November 16, 1740; m. Gersham Rose- 

brooks, b. May 29, 1746, and father of Ezra, 
Walter and William. 

8. Andrew (?) 

Robert Crawford, son of James, Sr., married Lydia 
Pierce, June 16, 1757. He lived on what is now called the 
Asa Putnam place. 

Ch. I. Jason, b. July 10, 1758. 

2. Stephen, b. July 25, 1761. 

3. Deborah, b. August 26, 1764. 

4. Huldah, b. September 2, 1766. 

James Crawford, Jr., son of James, married Grace Car- 
penter, September 8, 1755. 

Ch. I. Chester, b. January 26, 1758; d. February i, 1759. 
2. Frances or Fanny, b. April 30, 1760; m. Ephraim 
Cook, of Salisbury, Vt. 
^ 3. Ann, b. July 20, 1762; m. Jonathan Baldwin. 

4. Theophilus, b. April 25, 1764. 

5. Sarah, b. April 2, 1768; m. John Wise; no chil- 

dren. 

6. Elizabeth. 

7. Lydia, b. at Westminster, Vt., November 21, 

1772; m. Dea. Elijah Ranney, of Westminster. 

John Crawford, son of James, Sr., married Mary Rose- 
brooks, December 14, 1758. He died August 15, 1817. She 
died July 16, 1815. 

Ch. I. Elizabeth. 

2. Sybil, b. August 8, 1762. 

3. Polly, b. December 20, 1764. 

4. Abel, b. December 31, 1766. 

5. Jonathan, b. October 31, 1770; d. at Northumber- 

land, N. H., June 6, 1850. 

6. Sarah, b. February 20, 1775. 

7. John, b. August 27, 1776; d. at Guildhall, Vt., 

May 28, 1837. 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 



321 



Five others, Rosebrooks, Eleazar, Zerali, Calvin, and 
Fanny were born in Brookline, Vt. 

Andrew Crawford, probably a son of James, Sr., mar- 
ried Mary . 

Ch. I. John Laiiman, b. March 5, 1766. 

2. Olive, b. vSeptember 18, 1767. 

3. Andrew, d. December 17, 1769. 

4. Mary. 

Hon. Theophilus Crawford, of Putney, Vt., son of 
James 2nd, married Annie Johnson, of Irving's Grant, 
Mass., October 26, 1788, at Westminster, Vt. 

Ch. I. David, b. at Westminster, August 6, 1789; d. 
1871. 

2. Sally, b. at Westminster, June 6, 1791. 

3. Henry, b. at Westminster, September 22, 1793. 

4. Grace, b. at Westminster, December 9, 1795. 

5. James, b. at Westminster, March 6, 1798. 

6. Mark, b. at Putney, Vt., October 20, 1800. 

7. Fanny, b. at Putney, February 6, 1803. 

8. Lydia, b. at Putney, February 15, 1805. 

9. Theophilus, b. at Putney, April 28, 1807. 
10. Annie, b. at Putney, February 11, 1810. 

Abel Crawford, son of John, married Hannah Rose- 
brooks in 1790. 

Ch. I. Erastus, b. 1790. 

Ethan Allen, b. 1793. 
Stephen, b. 1796. 
Everett, b. 1798. 
Dearborn. 
Thomas Jefferson. 
Flannah Haynes. 
Abel J. 
William H. Harrison. 



John Crawford, the ancestor of all the Crawfords who 
'have recently lived in Union, was the brother of James, Sr. 



322 



GENEALOGIES. 



He emigrated from Scotland to the North of Ireland, where 
he lived till 1732, when he sailed from Belfast to Boston 
with his family of a wife and four sons. They were ship- 
wrecked on Sable Island and his wife was drowned. He 
settled in Boston as a m.erchant. His oldest son, John 
Crawford, lived in Boston with his father; married but 
had no children. One son settled in Townsend, Mass., and 
another went to Pennsylvania. Another son of John Sr., 
Hugh, was 19 years old when he came to this country. He 
lived a few years in Newton, Mass., married Margaret 
Campbell, sister of Elizabeth, wife of James ist. She 
came from Ireland in 1731. She died August 8, 1808. 

Hugh Crawford bought land in Union of James Eno, in 
1740. (T. R. Vol. I, p. 93). He was voted an inhabitant 
December 13, 1743. 

Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. at Newton, December 21, 1739; ^• 
William Martin, of Woodstock. 

2. Sarah, b. at Union, October 18, 1745; m. Daniel 

Loomis. 

3. Samuel, b. at Union, July 22, 1748. 

4. John, b. at Union, March 12, 1754. 
Other children died young. 

Hugh Crawford was a large land-holder. He lived 
where Fayette now does. He was a weaver by trade. He 
and his son John both died the same day, October 13, 1776, 
of Camp fever. The son and brother Samuel who was in 
the Revolutionary army in the vicinity of New York, in 
1776, was taken sick, and his brother John went after and 
brought him home. John and his father nursed Samuel 
back to health, but they both took the fever and died the 
same day. They were buried at the same time in the 
Union cemetery. Both Hugh Crawford and his wife and 
children were of large stature. 

Dea. Samuel Crawford, son of Hugh (see biographical 
sketch), married, ist time, Sarah Work, daughter of 
Ingoldsby Work, of Ashford, Conn., April 18, 1771. She 
died May 25, 1793, aged 42, having had ten children. He- 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 



323 



then married Olive Eddy, of Woodstock, December 26, 

1793- 

Ch. I. Luther, b. February 25, 1772. 

2. Calvin, b. December 21, 1773; d. August 13, 1776, 

from scalding-. 

3. Lavinia, b. August 26, 1775; m. Joseph P. Cor- 

bin; d. February 4, 1796. 

4. John, b. April 17, 1777. 

5. Samuel, b. July 4, 1779. 

6. Benjamin, b. October 18, 1781; d. May 25, 1789. 

7. Walter, b. January 30, 1784; d. March 10, 1786. 

8. Ingoldsby Work, b. August 7, 1786. 

9. Sarah, b. September 15, 1788; m. Benjamin 

Chamberlain, of Woodstock. 

10. Anna, b. March 29, 1791; m. Wheeler Phillips. 

Children of Olive Eddy: 

11. Polly, b. November 7, 1794; m. Nathan Preston, 

of Ashford. 

12. Charles, b. April i, 1796; m. Polly Preston. 

13. Chester, b. 1799; died young. 

Dea. Samuel Crawford died May 11, 1824, at Sturbridge, 
Mass., where he had gone to look at a farm for his daughter 
Polly. 

John Crawford, son of Hugh, married Dorcas Ward 
December 14, 1775, ^-^^cl had one daughter, Joanna, born 
April 22, 1776; she went to Georgia, Vt., and married Jesse 
Post. 

John Crawford died of camp fever taken by nursing 
his brother Samuel, October 13, 1776. His widow married 
Noah Loomis, of Windham, Yt., February 24, 1778. 

Luther Crawford, Esq., son of wSamuel, married Eliza- 
beth Wilbur, of Woodstock, June 14, 1792. 

Ch. I. Sally, b. June 24, 1792; d. unmarried at Cleve- 
land, O., October 16, 1841. 
2. Benjamin, b. April 24, 1794; m. first, Hannah 
Randall; second, L5^dia Clough. He died at 



324 



GENEALOGIES. 



Cleveland, O., July 29, 1863, leaving- 4 chil- 
dren, Jane, Francis, Lucien, and Clay. 

3. Willard, b. February 5, 1796; m. Sarah A. Hos- 

mer; d. at Cleveland, O., August 28, 1854. 

4. Randall, b. February 24, 1798; m. first, Sarah 

Ellis; second, Hannah Lyons; d. at New 
Albany, Ind., March 6, 1865. 

5. Margaret, b. May 30, 1800; d. at Union, August 

6, 1820. 

6. Almira, b. July 18, 1802; m. first, Lothrop Cor- 

bin, and had one child, Elmira; second, James 
Phillips, and had five children; d. at Cleve- 
land, O., February 17, 1889. 

7. Eliza, b. August 4, 1804; d. May 12, 1817. 

8. Lucien, b. January 26, 1807; d. November 18, 

1827. 

9. Newton, b. October 29, 1809; m. Lorana Pratt. 
10. Thomas, b. July 28, 1812; d. March 26, 1813. 

Luther Crawford died at Cleveland, O., February 20, 
1853. Elizabeth, his wife, died there March 30, 1855. 
Luther Crawford was in his person very tall (6 feet 2 
inches) and straight. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat. 
He held many town offices, and represented the town in 
the Legislature several times. He was quite wealthy and 
built the large house on the Asa Putnam place, where he 
lived. This when built was the best in town. He had a 
strong will, as is shown by his action when at one time he 
broke his leg while alone in Breakneck woods. He man- 
aged to get his horse, crawl upon a stump and throw 
the broken leg over the horse's back. He then rode his 
faithful horse towards home, calling at the door of his 
brother Samuel to have him go for the doctor. He was 
ever afterwards somewhat lame. His children went West, 
and about 1835, he sold his Union possessions and went to 
Cleveland, O. He had a wonderful memory, and could tell 
the exact ages of almost all his acc[uaintances. 



^g^ ^^ 




John Crawford. 



THE CRAWFOIW FAMILY. 325 

John Crawford, Esq., son of Deacon Samuel, married 
Susannah Hayward (or Howard), of Ashford, Conn., daug-h- 
ter of Jonathan Hayward, April 24, 1800. 

Ch. I. Trenck, b. February 23, 1801. 

2. Sidney, b. February 13, 1804. 

3. Amanda, b. April 12, 1806; m. Benjamin Cham- 

berlain. 

4. Laurens, b. Januar}^ 24, 1809. 

John Crawford died March 17, 1863. Susannah, his wife 
died February 20, 1854, aged 75. 

John Crawford, soon after his marriage, went to live on 
a farm in the north part of Union, which had been given 
him by his father. In 181 7, he built an excellent house on 
the place. This same house has since been removed to 
Southbridge and stands on Sayles street. 

He was very ingenious and used to make wooden plows 
with steel points and straps of iron on the sides, long 
before iron plows came into use. He was the coffin maker 
and undertaker of the town. He used to make coffins for 
$1.50 to $4.00 each, which price usually included pay for 
attendance at the funeral. In 1802, he was appointed ser- 
geant in the 5th Co. Conn. Militia; m 1805, ensign; in 1806, 
lieutenant, and in 1809, captain. These appointments were 
signed by Jonathan Trumbull. He was selectman eight 
times between the years 1805 and 1818, and was five times a 
member of the Legislature. He was generous and in good 
circumstances till, by becoming involved by signing notes, 
he gave up his farm, and in 1836 removed to the Thomas 
Lawson place in Bigelow hollow (where William Thayer 
recently lived). Here he lived till 1841, when he came to 
live with his son Trenck, west of Bigelow. In religion he 
was a decided Universalist, and in politics a Jeffersonian 
Democrat. He was very polite and pleasant to all. He 
helped many an old soldier of the Revolution about getting 
a pension. 

Col. Samuel Crawford, afterwards deacon, son of Dea. 
Samuel, lived where his son Fayette now does. He mar- 



326 GENEALOGIES. 

ried Lydia Howard, of Ashford, daughter of Jonathan, 
August 20, 1 80 1. 

Ch. I. Dicea, b. January 8, 1802; m. Eleazar Corbin, 
June I, 1826. 

2. Delotia, b. February 17, 1804; m. Seth Child, of 

Woodstock, June 2, 1832; d. Januar}^ 6, 1837. 

3. Merrick, b. August 6, 1805; d. June 24, 1867. 

4. Lavinia, b. October 28, 1807; d. January 15, 1830. 

5. Anna, b. March 6, 181 1; d. January 18, 1833. 

6. Samuel Dvvight, b. August 19, 1831. 

7. Burt, b. December 5, 1815. 

8. Olive, b. July 29, 1818; m. George Clark, of 

Woodstock, vSeptember 9, 1838. 

9. Stephen Hay ward, b. August i, 1820; d. October 

27, 1820. 

10. Albert, b. April 15, 1822. 

11. Fayette, b. May 30, 1824. 
Samuel Crawford died June 21, 1858. 

Lydia Crawford died August 22, 185 1, aged 70. 

Col. Samuel Crawford was respected by his fellow towns- 
men, and like his brothers, Luther and John, was select- 
man and Representative several terms. He was quite a 
military man in his younger years, and rose to be Lieut. 
Colonel. He was a member of the Baptist church in West 
Woodstock, and for many years a deacon. He was a 
wealthy man. For many years he owned the Bigelow saw- 
mill in company with his nephew Trenck. 

Hon. Ingoldsby W. Crawford (see biographical sketch), 
son of Dea. Samuel, married Rhoda Taft, May 29, 18 10. 

Ch. I. Calista, b. August i, 181 1; m. first, Sanford 
Lyon, November 21, 1832; second, Abijah 
Sessions. 

2. Daniel Taft, b. August 27, 1813. 

3. Caroline, b. January 17, 181 6; m. David L- 

Newell, November 29, 1835. 

4. Sarah Ann, b. March 9, 1819; d. April 25, 1838. 

5. Logan, b. January 13, 1822. 



THE GEAWFOBD FAMILY. 



327 



6. Marcia, b. November 15, 1824; m. John Tyler 

Converse, of Ashford, March 29, 1846. 

7. Ossian, b. November 3, 1827. 

8. Harriet, b. March 19, 1831; m. Isaac Harbison. 

9. Alonzo, b. March 3, 1834. 

Hon. I. W. Crawford died November 24, 1867. Rhoda, 
his wife, died April 6, 1864, aged 71. 

Capt. Charles Crawford, son of Dea. Samuel, married 
Polly Preston, of Ashford. 

Ch. I. Samuel Preston, b. May 16, 1820. 

2. Maria Louisa, b. March 21, 1823; m. Rev. Thomas 

Holman. 

3. Mary Eddy, b. March 30, 1826; m. first, Charles 

Stoddard, February, 1847. He died Decem- 
ber 22, 1854; second, Isaac Niles. 

4. Chester, died young. 

Charles Crawford died at Rockford, 111., September 18, 
1864. Polly Preston Crawford died at Rockford, 111., 
April 6, 1864. 

Charles Crawford lived when first married with his 
father; afterwards removed to West Woodstock, where he 
built a fine house (now burned), where John Chamberlain 
afterwards lived. He afterwards sold his place and 
removed to Rockford, 111. While he lived in Woodstock 
he was a prominent member of the Baptist church, where 
his father and brother were for so many years deacons. 

WiLLARD Crawford, son of Luther, married Clara Ann 
Hosmer, daughter of Judge Hosmer, of Newburg, O. 
Ch. I. Randall. 

2. Mary. 

3. George; lived in Cleveland. 

4. Helen; lived in Cleveland. 

Willard Crawford died in Cleveland, August 28, 1854. 
He was a millwright and built mills and wheels all over 
the state of Ohio. 



328 



GENEALOGIES. 



Randall Crawford, son of Luther, married first, Sally 
Ellis, and lived at New Albany, Ind. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. 1833; m. Dr. Morrill. 

2. Henry, a prominent railroad lawyer in Chicago. 

3. Martha, m. Mr. vSunderland, and lives in Day- 

ton, O. 

Randall Crawford married second time, Mrs. Hannah 
Lj^ons, who had one child. 

Randall Crawford died March 6, 1865. He was one of 
the most prominent lawyers in the state of Indiana, and 
was United States District Judge. He became quite 
wealthy. 

Newton Crawford, son of Luther, married Lorana 
Pratt; lived at Rockford, 111., many years, where he went 
among the first settlers. He now lives at Washington 
D. C. 

Ch. I. William Henry, d. 1866, aged about 21. 

2. vSarah Jane, m. Frank Gramlich, who is in 
Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. 

Trenck Crawford, son of John, married first, Zida 
Webber, daughter of Bradley and Sibbel Webber, of Hol- 
land, Mass., January i, 1829. She died April 26, 1866. He 
married second, Julia Chaffee, of Dudley. 

Ch. T. Ossian Trenck, b. December 25, 1829. 

2. William Merrill, b. July 31, 1831. 

3. Libert)^ Webber, b. June 24, 1834. 

4. Susan Zida, b. May 3, 1836; m. Lurancie Con- 

verse, of Westford, May 12, 1858. She died 
April 24, 1865. 

5. Susan Emily, b. November 3, 1841; m. Chelsea 

Young, May 28, 1868. 
Trenck Crawford taught school in his younger years, 
beginning in Ashford, in 181 9. He afterwards taught in 
Monson, Holland, Sturbridge, Stafford, and the East dis- 
trict, in Union. He lived with his father after he was mar- 
ried, moving with him to the Thomas Lawson place, in 




Trenck Crawford. 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 329 

1836. In 1839, he bought the place where he afterwards 
lived, that south of the road, of Mrs. Silence Leonard, 
and that north, of Nathaniel Newell. He built the barn 
and house in 1840. His father and mother came to live 
in the new house in 1841. He held various offices in the 
militia, from corporal to captain, being appointed to the 
latter office in 1833, by Gov. Foot. His company, the 8th 
of the nth Regiment, contained over 100 men. He led it 
to Woodstock, to the regimental training in September, 
1835. He received his discharge in 1836, and was suc- 
ceeded by Danford Morse. He owned one-half of the Bige- 
low saw-mill, his uncle Samuel owning the other half. In 
1838, a new mill was built, which was burned some years 
afterwards, at which time he owned it entirely. He sold 
the privilege, reserving the land where the pond is, with 
the right of fishing. He was a Democrat in politics, hold- 
ing many town offices. In religion he was a believer in 
universal salvation. He died of dysentery, April 6, 1884. 
His last wife died the 19th of the same month. 

Sidney Crawford, son of John, married first, Maria 
Fuller, at Stafford, February 12, 1828. She died January, 
1838, at Simsbury, Conn. He married second, Pauline I. 
Barnard, of Simsbury, October 20, 1840, who died December 
26, 1855. 

Ch. I. Maria Pauline, b. October 3, 1841; d. September 
I, 185 1, at Bloomfield. 

2. Sidney Barnard, b. January 20, 1844; d. August 

20, 185 1, at Bloomfield. 

3. Elizabeth Rebecca, b. March 17, 1847; m. George 

F. Chapman, April 26, 1870; 2 children, Nor- 
man S. and Albert G. She died April 6, 1880, 
at Springfield. 
Sidney Crawford inarried third time, Julia S. Cooley, at 
Chicopee, Mass., August 26, 1856. She died at Springfield, 
August 26, 1874. 

Sidney Crawford died at Springfield, Mass., November 
28, 1888. He learned the fuller's trade of Reuben Stevens. 



33° 



GENEALOGIES. 



of Holland, Mass.; afterwards had a shop at Mashapaug, 
then at Eastford, and at Brimfield, Mass. In April, 1830, 
he went to Glastonbury (Eagleville), where he had charge 
of the fulling, &c., in a factory for five years. He after- 
wards live at Simsbury, StafEordville, Euclid, and East Cleve- 
land, O., Chicopee, Holyoke, and wSpringfield, Mass. 

Laurens Crawford, son of John, married Amelia Smith, 
daughter of Stephen, of Stafford, March 4, 1834. She died 
January 18, 1855. He married second, Mary E. Hamilton, 
daughter of Mr. Linus Wales, of Union, April 24, 1856. He 
died February 3, 1893. 

Ch. I. Ellen, b. March 22, 1835; d. June 16, 1858. 

2. Jane, b. May 10, 1837; m. Luther Crawford, son 

of Daniel T., October 20, 1861. 

3. Jeanette, b. vSeptember 18, 1839; d. September 

15, i860. 

4. James Munroe, b. December 28, 1842; amachinist. 

5. Julia, b. February 16, 1845; m. Isaac B. Booth, 

May I, 1866. 

6. Mary L., b. May 10, 1848; d. April 17, 1851. 

7. Ann, b. March 14, 185 1; died young. 

8. Mary Isabel, b. June 22, 1861. 

Laurens Crawford learned the cabinet maker's trade at 
Charlton. He afterwards lived at Stafford Hollow, then 
at Stafford Street, and for the past forty years at Stafford- 
ville. He has worked at pattern making a large part of his 
life, and is one of the best of machinists. 

Samuel Dwight Crawford, son of Samuel, married 
Rebecca Foster, March 15, 1840. She died October 11, 1842, 
at the Thomas Lawson, Jr., place. He then married Lavinia 
Goodell, daughter of Asa Goodell, of Woodstock. He 
removed to Mayville, Wis., where he owned a farm and 
reared a family of children, but died in another part of the 
state. 

Children by Rebecca: 

Ch. I. Samuel Edward, b. March 30, 1841. 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 331 

2. William Foster, b. October 4, 1842; brought up 

by E. B. Foster; went to the late war. 
By Lavina: 

3. Albert. 

4. Mary. 

5. Olive. 

6. Louise. 

Burt Crawford, son of Col. Samuel, married Sarah 
Gage. They had one daughter, Julia, born March 26, 1848. 

Burt Crawford, when first married, lived several years 
at South Wilbraham. He then built the house and barns 
on the place where Anson Corbin now lives. After living 
there several years he sold the place and went to live in 
Woodstock, where he built a house and barn. He died 
August 21, 1885. vSarah, his wife, died vSeptember 4, 1885. 

Albert Crawford, son of Col. Samuel, married Mercy 
Putnam, daughter of Asa Putnam, May 10, 1846. 
Ch. I. Martha, b. September 23, 1840. 

2. Charles Albert, b. January 13, 1843. 

3. Mary, b. December, 185 1. 

Albert Crawford lived in the Crawford neighborhood 
several years, and worked at shoemaking. He then learned 
dentistry, and worked awhile in Union; removed to Put- 
nam, where he was successful. He died at Putnam, May 
3, 1861. 

Fayette Crawford, son of Col. Samuel, married Mary 
McNall, daughter of Joseph McNall, a descendant of the 
first settler, April i, 1846. 

Ch. I. Myron Fayette, b. October 28, 1852; m. Lenora 

Thayer; 2 children, William Myron, b. July 

31, 1884; Olive Louise, b. April, 1891. 

2. Mary Lavinia, b. December 25, 1858; m. R. B. 

Horton, April 23, 1890. 

Fayette Crawford has always lived on the place where 

his father and his great-grandfather lived before him. The 



332 GENEALOGIES. 

old house where Hugh Crawford lived was burned soon 
after the present one was built. 

Daniel Taft Crawford, son of Ingoldsby, lived in Penn- 
sylvania, then with his father, at Union, afterwards on the 
Coye place (where Sanford Severy afterwards lived), at 
Wales, at the Abbott place in Union, at Mashapaug, at vStaf- 
ford, whence he returned to Mashapaug, and lived from 
1857, till his death, where his son George now does. He 
died on a visit to Kansas, March 19, 1867, aged 53. He mar- 
ried the first time, Minerva Howard, of Woodstock; she 
died January 30, 1837. She had one child, Minerva. He 
married second time, Martha Underwood, of Wales. 

Ch. I. Minerva, b. December 25, 1836; m. R. B. Stroud, 
of Stafford, August 22, 1861; she died Janu- 
ary 20, 1875, at North Grosvenor Dale. 

2. Luther, b. August 29, 1839; m. Jane Crawford, 

daughter of Laurens; live at Staff ordville. 

3. Oscar, b. December 14, 1840; m. Sarah J. Marcy, 

daughter of Plimpton Marcy. 

4. Sarah Ann, b. March 4, 1843; m. May i, 1863, 

Dwight Whittemore; he d. June 21, 1864; one 
son, Dwight, b. May 14, 1864; graduated at 
East Greenwich Seminary, and at the Medi- 
cal School of Boston University; now a 
physician in Providence. Sarah A. Whitte- 
more married second time, Rev. George 
Hunt, January, 1S76. They have the follow- 
ing children: Mattie E., b. Dec. 22, 1876; 
George L., b. July 23, 1878; Ruth W\, b. Oct. 
6, 1883. 

5. George Washington, b. May 28, 1849. 

6. Martha Eliza, b. July 26, 1851; m. Rev. George 

Hunt, February 10, 1874; she died January 
2, 1875- 

Logan Crawford, son of Ingoldsby W., married Helen 
Marr Rising, September 22, 1851. 



THE GRAWFOBD FAMILY. t^2>3, 

Cli. I. Virginia, b. July 19, 185 1; m. Charles Purcell; d. 
April 7, 1889. 
Penina, b. February 14, 1854; m. Marion Pur- 
cell. 
Ira, b. November 19, 1856; m. Adaline Dam- 

eecker. 
Clinton, b. November 19, 1858; d. September 

27, 1881. 
Esther, b. January 8, 1865. 
Logan Crawford was a fine scholar, taught school sev- 
eral years, then removed to Mayville, Wis., where he was 
public surveyor for several years. He was married there; 
removed to Calhoun, Harrison Co., la., but now lives at 
Missouri Valley, la. 

OssiAN Crawford, son of Ingoldsby W., married Lavinia 
Shepard, daughter of Samuel Shepard, of Sturbridge, 
March 17, 1753. 

Ch. I. William Ingoldsby, b. in Virginia, November 
15, 1853; died young. 

2. Emma, b. April 27, 1855; m. Robert C. Lawson, 

son of Robert, of New Bedford. 

3. Charles William, b. March 12, 1862. 

4. James Arthur, b. July, 1864; m. and lives in New 

Haven, where he is in the laundry business. 

5. George Eugene, b. 1867. 

Ossian Crawford (called in boyhood "Ossian Judge" to 
distinguish him from "Ossian Trenck"), taught school 
many winters in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He is a 
carpenter and wheelwright. He lived in Southbridge, and 
now lives in Wales. He has been in San Antonio, Texas, 
at work, several years. 

Alonzo Crawford, son of Ingoldsby W., married Caro- 
line Mann, March, 1859, was divorced, and then married 
Nellie A. Burdick, in California. She died and he married 
Addie A. Sanford, April 8, 1882. His business is teach- 
ing. 



534 



GENEALOGIES. 



Samuel Preston Crawford, son of Charles, married Phi- 
lena Chamberlain, daughter of John, December 22, 1845. 
No children. He moved to Springfield, Mass., in 1848, 
where he was a merchant for two years, returning to Con- 
necticut in 1850. In May, 1852, he moved to Rockford, 111., 
where he has since resided. He became prominent in the 
business enterprises of the city, and showed his public spirit 
and desire to aid in advancing its welfare. He was for ten 
consecutive years an alderman, and so well did he fulfill his 
duties, that at the end of that period, in 1881, the citizens 
elected him mayor. In this office he used his energetic 
and practical business qualities for the promotion of the 
city's prosperity. Mr. Crawford has been a deacon of the 
First Baptist church, of Rockford, for many years, and an 
efficient Sunday school superintendent. He is a leader 
in every good work and is highly respected by his fellow 
citizens. 

OssiAN T. Crawford, son of Trenck, married Vesta 
Elvira Morey, daughter of Warren and Lucy Morey, of 
Ashford, Conn., at StaiTordville, Conn., May 31, 1858. She 
was born at Union, October 29, 1836. 

Ch. I. Grace Lucy, b. September 22, 1868. 

2. Bertie, b. November 30, 1872; d. in infancy. 

Ossian T. Crawford received his education in the com- 
mon schools in Union, in Districts No. 4, 2, and i, with his 
uncle Ingoldsb}^, at the select schools in Ashford, Eastford, 
and Union, and the Normal School at New Britain. In the 
summer of 1850, in company with David P. Corbin, he per- 
sonally visited every family in town, whom they thought 
would have scholars to send to a select school, got the 
names pledged, and succeeded in starting the first select 
school, of which Mr. White, of East Windsor Hill was 
teacher. 

Mr. Crawford began his career as a teacher in 1847, at 
District No. 4, Union. He afterwards taught in Holland, 
Woodstock, and Sturbridge. In the winter of 1852-53, he 
taught at the Center district. Union, and had 67 scholars. 







OssiAN T. Crawford. 



THE CRAWFORD FAMILY. 335 

and the next winter at West Woodstock, with 70 names on 
the roll. This shows how the schools have dwir.dled since 
that time. He afterwards taught in Pemberton, Burling-- 
ton Co., N. J., and in Southbridge. In 1855, he gave up 
teaching and entered the store of James Richmond, at 
Westford, as clerk. In 1859, he removed to Worcester, 
Mass., where he has since lived. He has been book-keeper 
or clerk in hardware, flour, grain and grocery stores. Since 
August I, 1866, he has been first clerk in the Union Store, 
Front street, Worcester. He was Librarian of the First 
Universalist Sunday school 20 years; has been clerk of the 
parish since 1866, and is now one of the deacons of the 
church. He still has a lively interest in the old town of 
Union, where he was born. 

William Merrill Crawford, son of Trenck, married 
Janette A. Potter, daughter of David Potter, at Union, 
October 9, 1854. 

Ch. I. Lilian Potter, b. June 27, 1857. 

2. Herbert Merrill, b. August 13, 1868. 

3. William Liberty, b. September 29, 1870. 

W. Merrill Crawford learned the carpenter's trade; lived 
in Southbridge a short time, then moved to Stafford Springs, 
where he now resides. He had a sash and blind factory; 
was afterwards in the hardware business, and is now a 
traveling agent selling hardware in New England. 

Liberty W. Crawford, son of Trenck, married Lurancie 
Converse, May 12, 1858. They had one child, a son, who 
died young. He learned the carpenter's trade; was in the 
sash and blind business at Stafford Springs; afterwards 
worked at his trade at Southbridge until hurt, when he 
went into the store of William C. Barnes, at Southbridge. 
He died there April 24, 1S68. 

George W. Crawford, son of Daniel, married Ida Marcy, 
daughter of Plimpton Marcy. 

Ch. I. Mattie Ida, b. October i, 1876; d. May 4, 1880. 

2. Dwight Luther, b. July 27, 1879. 

3. Minerva Calista, b. July 9, 1881. 



336 GENEALOGIES. 

Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss, the son of Ivah and Hannah 
(Ives) Curtiss, was born in Meriden, March 5th, 1803. He 
was the sixth settled pastor of the church at Union. (See 
biographical sketch). 

He married, first, Rebecca Tuttle Hough of Walling- 
ford, October 3, 1832, and had two children, Ann and 
George. Mrs. Curtiss and her daughter Ann were instantly 
killed by lightning March 25, 1842. Mr. Curtiss married, 
second, Eliza Ives, daughter of Jesse Ives of Stafford, and 
granddaughter of Rev. Jesse Ives of Monson, Mass., Jan- 
uary 30, 1843. vShe died May 31, 1865, leaving one son, 
Samuel. Mr. Curtiss married, third, Mrs. Deborah H. G. 
Curtiss, widow of his brother. Rev. Erastus Curtiss, June 15, 
1866. She died in 1S81. Rev. Mr. Curtiss died of Bright's 
disease, March 26, 1880. 

Ch. I. Ann, b. at East Hampton, March 21, 1834; d. 
March 25, 1842. 

2. George, b. at East Hampton, January 5, 1837. 

3. Samuel, b. at Union, February 5, 1844. 

Rev. George Curtiss, son of Rev. S. I. Curtiss (see 
biographical sketch), married, first, Elvira Corbin, daugh- 
ter of Healy Corbin, January 13, 1864. She died at Har- 
winton, April 17, 1875. He married, second, Mrs. Phebe 
M. Bishop of New Haven, March 8, 1877. She died at 
Amherst, Mass., June 27, 1877. He married, third, Martha 
A. Blakely of Bristol, Conn., September 15, 1880. She died 
at Hartford, December 24, 1888. 

Ch. 1. Elsie Anne, b. September 29, 1865; graduated 
from the Hartford High School in 1885, and 
from Oberlin college in 1889; m. Rev. Her- 
bert K. Job, September 10, 1891. Their son, 
George Curtiss, was born June 3, 1892, at 
North Middleboro, Mass. 

2. George Corbin, b. June 19, 1868; d. November 

28, 1876, at Harwinton, Conn. 

3. Mary Rebecca, b. June 9, 1873. 



CURTIS8, DICKEY, DRAKE. 337 

4. John Hough, b. March 30, 1874; d. June 24, 

1877, at Amherst, Mass. 

5. Martha Eliza, b. July 25, 1881; d. January 26, 

1882, at Hartford, Conn. 

Rev. Samuel Ives Curtiss, son of Rev. Samuel Ives 
Curtiss, was born at Union, February 5, 1844. (See bio- 
graphical sketch). 

He married Mrs. Laura W. Sessions, v^idow of Jared D. 
Sessions, May 10, 1870. 

Ch. I. Paul Curtiss, b. in New York city, October 11, 
1 871; buried in Woodlawn cemetery. New 
York. 

2. Pauline, b. in Prussia, December 5, 1872; d. 

March 7, 1890. 

3. John Christlieb, b. September 29, 1874. 

4. Victor Delitzsch, b. January 14, 1876; d. August 

20, 1876; buried in Leipsic, Germany. 



Peter Dickey lived north of Bigelow pond. He served 
through the entire Revolutionary war. He had two sons 
who served in the war of 181 2. He married Isabel Cumbo, 
May 20, 1791. The family moved to Pennsylvania about 
1830. 

Ch. I. William, b. November 25, 1791. 

Walter, b. July 16, 1793. 

Sibbel, b. July 16, 1796. 

Clarissa, b. May 14, 1799. 

Lucinda, b. October 7, 1802. 

Lucy, b. November 25, 1804. 



Jonah Drake lived in town during the Revolution and 
served in the army. He married Sarah Ward, daughter of 
John and granddaughter of William Ward. They had 
several children and removed to Belchertown, Mass. 



338 GENEALOGIES. 

John Eaton came to Union from Sturbridge and 
bought land of Joel Kinney in 1796. This farm was west 
of the Wm. Abbott or Jesse Hall place. His children were 
Polly, Lucy, Azubah and Erastus. 

JosiAH Eaton came from Ashford to Union in 1793, 
where he bought of James Thompson, land south of Stick- 
ney Hill. He married Anna Knowlton of Ashford. 
Ch. I. Polly. 

2. Josiah. 

3. Ethlarinda. 

4. Joshua; went to East Windsor and Oneida, 

N. Y. 

5. Anna, m. James Olney. 

6. Lovisa, m. Asa F. Snell in 1821. 

7. Lydia, m. Saunders Ferry of Vernon, N. Y., in 

1827. 

JosiAH Eaton, Jr., married Lydia Webber, September 
II, 1806. 

Ch. I. Eliza, b. November 3, 1807. 

2. Catherine, b. January 26, 1811. 

3. Sabina, b. April 17, 1813. 

4. William, b. June 18, 18 16. 

William Eaton came from Holland and lived north of 
Geo. Colburn's. He married Fanny Sessions, daughter of 
Nathaniel, November 28, 1822. 

Ch. I. Diana Perrin, b. December 21, 1824. 



Fidelia, b. April 7, 1827. 

Edwin Ruthven, b. December i, 1828. 

Urilla, b. October 20, 1831. 

Mary. 



John vSessions Estabrooks, son of Jonathan of Wood- 
stock, lived where Willis Howard now does and built the 



ENOS. 



339 



house and barn there. He afterwards removed to Webster, 
Mass. He married Louisa Taft of Uxbridge. 
Ch. I. William, d. January 12, 1864. 

2. Sarah Louisa, b. December 20, 1842. 



J.A.MES Ends was one of the original proprietors of the 
town of Union and the only one who actually settled in 
the town. His name is sixth in the list of twelve persons, 
all from Windsor, to whom the legislature of Connecticut 
deeded the town of Union. The first ancestor of James 
Enos in Windsor was James, who came there as early as 
1646. The name was sometimes spelt Eno or Enoe. 

His son James had a large family. It was his oldest 
son James (third) who came to Union. He was born Sep- 
tember 23, 1679, and died May 22, 1762. He lived in the 
south part of town on the hillside between the Matthew 
Paul place and the one now occupied by Fred Barber. His 
first wife was Mary Grant, whom he married April 5, 1703. 
She died March 6, 1704. They had one child, James. He 
married, second, Hannah Phelps, July 15, 1708. She died 
July 13, 1760, aged 78. 

Ch. I. James, b. December 3, 1703; died young. 

Hannah, b. September 10, 17 10; m. Job Enos of 

Windsor. 
James, b. December 30, 17 13. 
Benjamin, b. March, 17 15; died in infancy. 
Sarah, b. November 7, 171 7; m. Daniel Loomis 
of Union. 

6. Benjamin, b. October 5, 17 19. 

7. Joseph, b. January 20, 1721. 

James Ends, son of James of Union, married Silence 
Sessions, daughter of Abner, October 18, 1769. They moved 
to Leicester, Addison county, N. Y., before 1795. 
Ch. I. Erasmus, b. April 8, 1765. 

2. Abner, b. November 14, 1766. 

3. James, baptized April 23, 1769. 



34° 



GENEALOGIES. 



Benjamin Enos, son of James, married Jerusha Pinney. 

Ch. I. Benjamin, b. December 2, 1741. 

2. James, b. June 17, 1743. 

3. Joab, b. March 6, 1745. 

4. Abijah, b. November 4, 1747. 

5. Mary, b. January 16, 1751. 

6. Alexander, b. February i, 1753. 

7. Elisha, b. May 18, 1755. 

8. David, b. July, 1759. 

Joseph Enos, son of James, married Rachel, daughter of 
deacon Wm. Ward, July 15, 1746. They had one child, 
Rachel. The mother died February 24, 1747. Joseph Enos 
married, second, Elizabeth White, March 7, 1750. She died 
May 4, 1777. He married, third, Abigail Keyes of Ash- 
ford, December 21, 1778. 

Ch. I. Rachel, b. February 15, 1747; m. first. Dr. Seth 
Hovey, second, James Thompson. 

2. Joseph, b. September 26, 1779; m. Chloe Burley. 

3. Hannah, b. May 31, 1781. 

4. James, b. September 26, 1783. 

5. Jonathan, b. June 24, 1784. 

JoAB Enos, son of Benjamin, lived in Union awhile, 
then moved to East Windsor. In 1780 he bought of his 
brothers, Alexander, Elisha and David, their right derived 
from their grandfather to "the gore" or "Content land" 
between Stafford and Union. He married Susanna. 
Ch. I. Ebenezer, b. May 4, 1765. 

Aaron, b. March 2, 1767; d. March 15, 1767. 

Mary, b. August 23, 1768. 

Benjamin, b. April 16, 1771. 

Henry Brown, b. June 3, 1773. 

Abigail, b. February 21, 1779; d. March 4, 1779. 

Philomeda, b. June 24, 1783. 



Joseph Fairbanks lived in Union as early as June 8, 
1764. He came from Framingham, Mass. He died Jan- 



FAIRBANKS, FERRY, THE FOSTER FAMILY 



341 



uary 4, 1S17. He lived on the place south of the David 
Lawson place. He married Tabitha Marcy, November 4, 
1762. 

Ch. I. Stephen, b. March 4, 1763; d. July 17, 1783. 

2. Joshua, b. December 23, 1764. 

3. Molley, b. November 2, 1767. 

4. Tabitha, b. October 14, 1770. 

5. Joseph, b. July 13, 1773. 

6. Sibbel, b. July 9, 1779. 

7. Daniel, b. August 29, 1781. 

8. Stephen, b. July 11, 1787. 
q. Orrin. 



Rev. Stephen Fairbanks, son of Joseph, was a local 
preacher of the Methodist denomination. He married 
Martha Sabin of Thompson, April 16, 1816. 

Ch. I. Sarah Ann, b. December 31, 1816; m. Isaac 
Agard of Stafford, July 25, 1838. 
Sabitha, b. May 8, 1818. 
Stephen Sabin, b. October 15, 1822. 

4. Peter Fletcher, b. March 8, 1824. 

5. Joseph Newton, b. November 2, 1826. 
Orrin Milton, b. September 4, 1829; d. Decem- 
ber 9, 1831. 



Jason Ferry came to Union from Stafford and bought 
land of James Moor, January 22, 1801. He lived where 
Samuel Whipple afterwards did. He married, first, Polly 
Ruby, who died February 17, 1826, aged 46. He married, 
second, Betsey River of Ashford, April i, 1829. He had 
one son by each wife. He died December 27, 1831. 

Ch. I. Justin, b. August 18, 1801. 

2. Andrew, b. July 30, 1829; d. July 19, 1833. 



the foster family. 



Edward Foster came from Sturbridge and settled in 
Union in 1777. He first bought land of Elijah Loomis 



342 



GENEALOGIES. 



(200 a.), July 10, 1777. The father of Edward Foster was 
Deacon Edward Foster, of Sturbridge. He lived within the 
limits of the present town of Southbridge, near the mills 
of Westville, which were built by his son Fletcher. His 
farm was on the south side of the river there. His father's 
name was Edward, who came from Chelmsford, Mass. 
He was the Edward mentioned by Savage as the son of 
Samuel, who was deacon and representative in Chelmsford 
in 1679. 

Samuel Foster first lived at Wenham, Mass., where he 
was made a freeman in 1650. He removed to Chelmsford 
in 1655. His children were : 



Ch. 



Hannah, b. about 1649. 
Samuel, b. about 1650. 
Eli, b. about 1653. 
Edward, b. April 29, 1657. 
Esther, b. November i, 1659. 



Edward Foster, son of Samuel, was the father of Dea- 
con Edward Foster, of Sturbridge, who was born February 
9, 1714, and died February 9, 1775. 

Edward Foster, of Union, son of Deacon Edward and 
Rachel Foster, was born at Sturbridge, May 14, 1749. He 
married at Sturbridge, November 4, 1773, Rachel Newell 
(born May 24, 1747), daughter of Timothy Newell, of Need- 
ham, Mass., and sister of General Timothy Newell, of 
Sturbridge. Edward Foster died at Union, March i, 18 18. 
His widow, Rachel, died June 7, 1835, aged 88. 
Ch. I. William, b. August 17, 1774. 

2. Edward, b. March 20, 1777. 

3. Eleazar, b. June 6, 1778. 

4. Charles, b. June 30, 1780. 

5. Rachel, b. December 17, 1782; d. March 8, 1790. 

6. Esther, b. February 26, 1785; d. March 21, 1790. 

7. Rebecca, b. April 7, 1788; d. March 20, 1790. 

8. Anna, b. September 11, 1793; m. Philip Gage, 

of Monson, Mass., October 7, 1822. 



THE FOSTER FAMILY. 



343 



William Foster, of Union, son of Edward, married 
Keziah Mason, of Woodstock, November lo, 1799. He was 
a man of noble character and a very valuable citizen. He 
died August 25, 1848. Keziah Foster died August 17, 1857, 
aged 78. 

Ch. I. Dorothy, b. January 27, 1800; m. John Porter, 
of Stockbridge, N. Y., October 25, 1821. 

2. Burke, b. March 26, 1802; m. Hannah Griggs, 

October 28, 1820; d. December 8, 1865. 

3. Esther, b. March 4, 1804; m. Ephraim H. Hyde, 

of Stafford. 

4. Elbert, b. October 21, 1805; m. Olive Horton. 

5. Mary, b. October 7, 1807; m. Samuel S. Need- 

ham, of Monson. 

6. William Mason, b. October 21, 1809; d. at May- 

ville. Wis., December 29, i860. 

7. Rachel Ann, b. October 27, 1811; d. February 

2, 1893. 

8. Rebecca, b. October 18, 1813; m. Samuel D. 

Crawford, October 11, 1842. 

9. John Newell, b. July 16, 1816. 

10. Louisa, b. February 7, 1819; d. 1883. 

11. Edward Henry, b. July i, 1821; d. May 15, 1848, 

at Union. 

12. Eleazar Byron, b. May 24, 1824; d. at the Hos- 

pital at Washington, D. C, November 14, 
1862; he married Lucy Corbin Gage. 

Edward Foster, son of Edward, went to New York, 
then to Wisconsin. He married Rebecca Strong, Novem- 
ber 27, 1800. 

Ch. I. Dwight, b. April 16, 1801; m. Almira, daughter 
of Deacon Ezra Horton. 

2. Alvan, b. March 23, 1805; d. July 15, 1867. 

3. Edward Newell, b. at Springfield, Mass., July 

10, 1810. 

4. William, b. at Augusta, N. Y., December 22,, 

1816; d, December 24, 1816. 



344 GENEALOGIES. 

5. Rebecca Strong, b. at Augusta, N. Y., June 3, 
1813. 

Eleazar Foster, son of Edward (see biographical 
sketch), married Mrs. Mary Pierpont O'Brien, of New 
Haven, January 12, 1806. He died May i, 1819. She died 
January 29, 1852. 

Ch. I. Mary Ann, b. October 24, [806; d. July 20, 1888. 

2. Pierpont Beers, b. September 8, 1809. 

3. Jane Newell, b. August 16, 181 1; d. April 11, 

1884. 

4. Eleazar Kingsbury, b. May 20, 1813. 

5. Harriet Smith, b. March 4, 1815. 

6. Caroline Hooker, b. April 2, 181 7. 

7. Edward William, b. March 28, 1819. 

Charles Foster, son of Edward, went to Stockbridge, 
N. Y. He married Louisa, daughter of Colonel Abijah 
Sessions, June 6, 1809. 

Ch. I. Charles May, b. September 2, 181 1. 

2. Hannah, b. June 7, 1813. 

3. Louisa, b. March 21, 1816. 

Elbert Foster, son of William, married Olive Horton 
April 30, 1830. 

Ch. I. Olive Lorinda, b. May 7, 1831; d. May 30, 1835. 

2. Elbert Judson, b. October 3, 1834; d. March 30, 

1836. 

3. Edward Burke, b. December 31, 1837. 

4. Olive Adelpha, b. May 10, 1842. 

Pierpont Foster, son of Eleazar, lived in New Haven, 
Conn. He married, first, Stella L. Bishop, July 16, 1838.; 
she died April 11, 1845 ; second, Cornelia A. Miller, 
December 20, 1849; she died Sept. 29, i860; third, Eliza- 
beth A. Higgins, October 22, 1863; she died April, 1886. 
Pierpont Foster died August 4, 1886. 

Ch. I. William Law,. b. April 26, 1841; d. June 23, 1881. 
He left one son, Pierpont. His widow mar- 






E. Byron Foster. 



THE FOSTER FAMILY, FULLER. 345 

ried Albert McClelland Matthewson, of 
Woodstock, Conn. 

Eleazar K. Foster, son of Eleazar (see biographical 
sketch), married Mary Codrington, January 2, 1838. He 
died June 13, 1877. She died September 25, 1872. 

Ch. 1. William Edward, b. June 4, 1839. 

2. Eleazar Kingsbury, b. October 31, 1842. 

3. Mary Thomsina, b. March 9, 1844; d. December 

12, 1864. 

4. John Pierpont Codrington, b. March 2, 1847. 
Others died in infancy. 

Edward William Foster, son of Eleazar, married Har- 
riet M. Partridge, November 16, 1843. 

Ch. I. Henry Pierpont, b. February 18, 1846. 
2. Mary P. 



James Fuller was one of the early settlers of Union. 
He bought land of William Ward, March 9, 1732. He came 
from Ashford. He married Abigail Youmans, December 
12, 1717. He was town clerk in 1737. 

Ch. I. Dinah, b. December 29, 17 18; m. Nathaniel 
. Walker. 

2. Abigail, m. Benjamin Walker. 

3. Elizabeth, b. June 15, 1721; m. Daniel Badger, 

Jr. 

4. William, b. March 13, 1722-3. 

5. Hezekiah, b. March 2, 1724-5. 

William Fuller, son of James, married Mehitabel 
Tyler, December 10, 1746. 

Ch. I. Hezekiah, b. November 25, 1747; lived at Lan- 
caster, N. H. 

2. Dorothy, b. October 21, 1751. 

3. Isaac, b. February, 1756. 

4. Calvin, b. May 6, 1758. 



346 GENEALOGIES. 

5. Abigail, b. August 30, 1763. 

6. Luther, b. May 10, 1766. 

7. Abner, b. February 29, 1768. 

8. John, b. November 22, 1771. 

Hezekiah Fuller, son of James, married Margaret 
Tyler, February 14, 1748. 

Ch. I. Amos, b. July 10, 1752. 

2. Asa, b. March 28, 1758. 

3. Elizabeth, b. September 6, 1760. 

4. James, b. March 21, 1763. 

5. Phineas, b. August 28, 1765. 

6. Adna, b. March 8, 1768. 

Joseph Fuller, of Union, came from Newton, Mass.,, 
where his ancestors had lived from the earliest settle- 
ment of the colony. He was a merchant and lived 
where afterwards Dr. Shubael Hammond did. He died 
very suddenly, April 5, 1811, aged ^,2,. The following epi- 
taph on his gravestone was composed by Dr. Shubael 
Hammond, his intimate friend : 

"Aspiring reader, cease thy cares, 
Vex not thy soul with earth's affairs; 
Nor life nor health secures thy breath, 
One day may close thine eyes in death." 
Mr. Fuller married Lucena Loring, of Barre, Mass., Feb- 
ruary 26, 1805. 

Ch. I. Joanna, b. February 11, 1807; m. Captain Will- 
iam Sherman, of Brim field. 
2. Adelpha, m. Jam€s, of New Haven, Conn. 
The widow of Joseph Fuller married Colonel Ezra 
Allen, of Holland. 



Nathaniel Gould was one of the early settlers of 
Union. He bought land of William Ward in 1734. He 
lived not far from the old cemetery. His wife's name was 
Mary. His children's names were William, Nathaniel, 
Mary, John, Seth, Phebe. 



THE GRIGGS FAMILY. 



THE GRIGGS FAMILY. 



347 



Joseph Griggs first bought land in Union of John vSes- 
sions, May 26, 1779. He had lived in town several years 
previous. He was a valuable citizen. On the 30th of 
December, 1800, he sold his farm in Rockmeadow and 
removed to Brimfield, where he spent the remainder of his 
days. He was born in Ashford, March 12, 175 1, and died 
in Brimfield, August 26, 1840. He had three brothers, 
Nathan, Ichabod and Lemuel, and one sister, Molley. He 
married Penelope Goodell, born November 14, 175 1, and 
first settled in Ashford, where three of his children were 
born. 

Ch. I. Elisha, b. October 12, 1770. 

2. Albig'ence, b. December i, 1772; d. at Brimfield, 

September 6, 1844. 

3. Samuel, b. February 26, 1775. 

4. Lucinda, b. March 12, 1777; d. February i, 1778. 

5. Hannah, b. February 14, 1779; ^^- Eb. Wales, 

son of Deacon Elijah Wales. 

6. Polly, b. January 4, 1781. 

7. Sarah, b. June 16, 1783. 
S. James, b. April 7, 1785. 

9. Bradford, b. April 27, 1786; d. at Morrisville, N. 
Y., March, 1863. 

10. Orlando, b. March 30, 1789; lived in Wales. 

11. Lydia, b. March 14, 1791; m. Lyman Bruce. 

12. Dorcas, b. January 18, 1793. 

13. Lucina, b. September 30, 1794. 

14. Annis, b. January 27, 1797; m. John C. Steb- 

bins, of Springfield. 

Elisha Griggs, son of Joseph, married Sarah Booth, 
daughter of Isaac. He moved to Stockbridge, N. Y., where 
he died March 31, 1S64, aged 93. 

Ch. I. Lucinda, b. February 8, 1793; m. Alexander 
Strong. 

2. Joseph Cheeney, b. February 16, 1795. 

3. Anna, b. January 29, 1797; m. Asa Coye. 



348 GENEALOGIES. 

4. John, b. December 6, 1799; d. December 8, 1799. 

5. Esther, b. January 13, 1800; m. Norman Hor- 

ton. 

6. Hannah, b. February 2, 1802; m. Burke Foster. 

7. Laura, b. April 10, 1804; m. Dexter Moore. 

Albigence Griggs, son of Joseph, lived in Union with 
his father, and moved with him to Brimfield. He married 
Lydia Fletcher, of Wales. 

Ch. I. Chester, b. February 21, 1794. 

2. Lyman, b. March 30, 1797. 

3. Mahalath, b. December 6, 1799; i^- Deacon 

Robert Peekham, of Westminster. 

4. A. Waldo, b. May 16, 1805. 

5. Adeline, b. October 17, 1807; d. December 5, 

1854. 

6. Lydia A. 

7. Orill, b. April 10, 1810. 

8. Harvey Dwight, b. July 26, 1812. 

Joseph Cheeney Griggs, son of Elisha, married Polly 
Corbin, daughter of Philip. He moved to Stockbridge, N. 
Y., not far from 1840. 

Ch. I. Joseph Maitland, b. October 8, 1816. 

Elisha Ela, b. June 6, 1818; lived in Spring- 
field, Mass. 

3. Philip, b. May 7, 1820. 

4. Elam, b. September 7, 1824; m. a Warner; 
lives at Oriskany, N. Y. 

Orlando, b. September 26, 1830; lives at Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. 
Mary Rhoby, b. November 6, 1841. 

Joseph Maitland Griggs, son of Joseph C. (see bio- 
graphical shetch) married, first, Elvira Fuller, of Somers, 
in 1842; she died July, 1845. He married, second, Betsey 
Bliss, of West vSpringfield, in September, 1847. 

Ch. I. Joseph Fuller, b. in Springfield in 1845; d. July 
24, 1878. He married Helen M. Bagg, of 



THE HAMMOND FAMILY. 349 

West Springfield, in May, 1868, and had two 
children, (i) John Bagg, born February 8, 
1870; (2) Maitland F., born February 12, 
1872. 

2. George Bliss, m. Nora Ball, of New Hamp- 

shire, in 1880. He graduated from Yale 
College in 1872, and holds the position of 
auditor of accounts of the Boston and 
Albany railroad, living at Boston, Mass. 

3. Elizabeth, m. James E. Nichols, a member of 

the firm of Austin, Nichols &: Co., New 
York city. 

HAMMOND FAMILY. 

Dr. Shubael Hammond was born in Sturbridge, Mass., 
February 29, 1776. He came to Union in December, 1799. 
His father was Job Hamant, born at Medfield, June 29, 
1742, the youngest of the eleven children of Samuel 
Hamant, of Medfield. vSamuel Hamant was the son of 
Timothy, and was born September 11, 1701, and died Jan- 
uary 6, 1755. Timothy Hamant was born November i, 
1667, and was the son of Francis Hamant, who came from 
England and settled in that part of Dedham which after- 
wards became Medfield, sometime prior to 1650. There 
is a tradition that he came from Sheffield, Yorkshire, West 
Riding. He died July 27, 1692, and his widow, Sarah 
Hamant, died September 29, 1708. Savage, in his Gene- 
alogical Dictionary, gives an account of " Francis Ham- 
mant." 

The family name is variously spelled, as Hamond, 
Hammond, Haymond, Hammon, Hammans, Haman, Ham- 
mant, Haimant, Hammett, Hamet, Hammitt, Hamit, etc., 
etc. The Medfield and Sturbridge families generally have 
spelled it Hamant. The Medway branch spelled it Ham- 
mond, as did also Dr. Hammond, of Union. The pronun- 
ciation of all the above names nearly coincides in sound, 
and doubtless they were of common origin. 

Dr. Hammond, of Union, studied medicine with Dr. 



35° 



GENEALOGIES. 



Eaton, of Dudley, Mass., and commenced practice in 
Union in 1800, where he lived till his death, July 25, 1857. 
He married Polly Paul, daughter of Robert Paul, of Union, 
October 4, 1812, who died August 18, 1863. 
Ch. I. Charles, b. June 15, 1813. 

2. Cynthia, b. August 4, 1814; m. Judson Smith. 

3. Francis, b. January 21, 1816. 

4. Samuel, b. April 18, 181 8. 

5. Macia, b. February 26, 1820. 

6. Persis, b. August 9, 1827; m. Marcus N. Potter, 

of Stockbridge, N. Y., February 12, 1851. 

Rev. Charles Hammond (see biographical sketch), son 
of Dr. Shubael Hammond, married Adriana S. Allen, 
daughter of Rev. William Allen, D.D., of Northampton, 
Mass., March 27, 1855. 

Ch. I. Charles, b. May 23, 1856; d. July 26, 1866. 
2. William, b. May 23, 1856; d. July 14, 1856. 

Francis Hammond, son of Dr. Shubael Hammond, 
resided in Appleton, Wis. He married Mary Ann Foster, 
daughter of Alvan Foster, of Appleton. She died April 
22, 1858. They had one son, Charles Foster, born August 
19, 1854. 

Samuel Hammond, son of Dr. vShubael Haminond, 
resided at Dexter, Jefferson county, N. Y. He married, 
first, Martha P. Bidwell, April 21, 1858. She died May 24, 
1861. He married, second, Betsey Lillibridge, of Willing- 
ton, Conn., August 31, 1862. 

Ch. I. Francis Bidwell, b. June 24, 1859; d. January 
17, i860. 

2. Martha, b. May 17, 1861; d. May 18, 1861. 

3. Albert Lillibridge, b. August 8, 1863. 

4. Francis Lincoln, b. April i, 1865. 

5. Charles Shubael, b. April 27, 1867. 



John Bliss Hatch was born in Union, June 2, 181 1. He 
lived in the north part of town. He married Priscilla 



HATCH, HA WES. 351 

Chapman, vSeptember 6, 1835. She was born January 12, 
1810, in Ashford, and died Aug-ust 18, 1867, in Union. He 
died August 18, 1867, aged 57. 

Ch. I. Sarah H., b. July 30, 1836; m. Constantine 
Marble, August 30, 1857: 5 children. 

2. Jarvis B., b. September 30, 1838. 

3. Jairus R., b. October 28, 1841. 

4. Emily A., b. May 26, 1845; m. Albert D. Mer- 

ritt, December 6, 1865; one child, Rosa L., b. 
November 20, 1867. 

5. Lois A., b. Januarys, 1848; m. William Lom- 

bard, May 26, 1866, and d. May 13, 1868; one 
child, who died. 

6. Susan E., b. December 24, 1850; m. William 

Ferry, November 15, 187 1. 

Jarvis B. Hatch, son of John B., married Jane Colburn, 
November 27, 1862. vShe was born April 10, 1845, in vStaf- 
ford. 

Ch. I. Maro Z., b. December 23, 1863; m. Annie 
Whiton. 

Jairus R. Hatch, son of John B., married Sarah A. Pem- 
bleton, November 5, 1863. She was born January 28, 1841. 
Ch. I. Sophia P., b. December 18, 1864; d. May 14, 
1868. 
2. Emma S., b. March, 1867. 



David Hawes, of Worcester, Mass., bought, in 1787, of 
Lot Hutchinson, land in Union near Bushmeadow brook, 
which he afterwards sold to his son Elijah. 

Elijah Hawes, son of David, married Rebecca. 
Ch. I. Betty, b. December 12, 1784; m. Luther Bass, 
September 19, 1822. 

2. Sally, b. October 23, 1786. 

3. Jason, b. October 11, 1791; m. Lurania Coye. 



35 2 



GENEALOGIES. 



4. Ruth, b. September 12, 1793; m. Hiram Wat- 

kins, October 9, 1834. 

5. Amos, b. January 25, 1796. 

6. Polly, b. August 23, 1798. 



THE HAYWARD, OR HOWARD FAMILY. 

John Hayward, of North Ashford, married Rebecca 
Peak and had thirteen children. 

Ch. I. Ephraim, b. 1759; m. Abigail Farnham; was 
deacon of the Baptist church at North Ash- 
ford; d. 1831. 

2. Ezra, m. Lydia Harwood. 

3. John, m. Betsey Mumford; no children. 

4. Manasseh. 

5. Henry, m. Joanna Hayward; lived in Wood- 

stock. 

6. Chloe, m. Jesse Bugbee; had 12 children. 

7. Rebecca, m. Amasa Corbin; had 5 children. 

8. Hannah, m. Deacon Penuel Corbin, of Wood- 

stock. 

9. Esther, d., aged 22. 

10. Lavinia, m. Thomas Holman; d. April 30, 1866. 

11. Anna, m. Roger F. Upham, of Belchertown. 

12. Mercy, m. William Corbin, Jr. 

13. Amos, m. Polly Burley; had 4 children. 

Manasseh Hayward, son of John, lived in the southeast 
part of Union. He married, first, Lucy Work; second, 
Dorothy Corbin, daughter of William Corbin. 



Ch. 



Ezra; went to Rochester, N. Y. 
Esther, m. Elijah Wood, of Mansfield. 

Eleazar, m. Wood; lived in Illinois. 

Lucy, m. Reuben Preston, of Eastford. 

Polly, m. Joseph Marcy. 

Sally, m. Parley Walker, June 5, 1825. 

Anna, m. Ezra Sheldon. 

John. 

Augustus; went to New York. 



HOWARD, HENDRICK. 353 

10. Lotiisa, d. January 12, 1844. 

11. William, m. Miranda Houghton; lived in Hard- 

wick. 

12. Clinton, m. Lucretia Jackson and lived in 

Hardwick. 

John Howard, son of Manasseh, married Lydia Bugbee, 
daughter of Eleazar, and lived where his father did. He 
died October, 1873. His wife died April, 1864. He inarried, 

second, Chandler. 

Ch. I. 

2. Danforth, m. Julia Day and has one son, Fred. 



Israel Hendrick came from Norwich to Union in 1742, 
when he bought lot No. 2 of Samuel Bartholemew. It then 
included the Ben Walker lot, extending east 400 rods. 
Israel Hendrick's wife's name was Anne. 

Ch. I. Jabez, went to Springfield, Mass. 



John, b. October 3, 1722. 

Daniel, m. Mary Houghton, May 27, 1752. 

4. Samuel, d. September 17, 1760. 

5. Anna. 

6. Benjamin, d. September 27, 1754. 

Israel Hendrick removed to Springfield about 1760, and 
lived with his son Jabez till his death. His wife, Anne, 
died at Union, November 8, 1743. 

John Hendrick, son of Israel, was a cabinet-maker. He 
lived where his father did, and divided lot No. 2 among his 
five children. He married Hannah Abbott, March 24, 1761. 
He went to Hartland, Vt., and died November 8, 1810. 
Ch. I. Ezra, b. February 21, 1762; d. January, 1770. 

2. John, b. April 4, 1764; went to New York. 

3. Mary, b. December 5, 1765. 

4. Caleb, b. September 17, 1767; d, August 26, 

1837. 

5. Hannah, b. March 22, 1770; d. April, 1843. 

23 



354 GEIi-EALOGTES. 

6. Ezra, b. March 13, 1772; d. December 28, 1799. 

7. Elizabeth, b. June 11, 1775. 

HISCOCK FAMILY. 

The first mention of this name on the town records is 
Nathan Hiscock, of Sutton, Mass., who bought land in 
Union of Joab Enos, August 16, 1769. In May, 1770, 
Nathan Hiscock, of Ashford, deeded this land to Xathan 
Hiscock, Jr., of Ashford, who seems afterward to have 
lived in Union. He married a widow, Hannah Gooddle, 
September 5, 1743. Nathan Hiscock was appointed sur- 
veyor in Union in 1746. He died aged 100 or 102 5'ears. 
They lived near North Ashford, on the so-called Vinton 
place. 

Ch. I. Hannah, b. August 19, 1744. 

2. Lydia, b. February 23, 1745. 

3. Molly, b. September 3, 1747; m., first Jedediah 

Bugbee, second, Nathan Morse. 

4. Nathan, Jr., b. April 3, 1749; m. Rebecca 

Keeney, January 9, 1772; lived in Stafford, 
and was killed by his insane son, Robert, 
January 11, 181 1. 

5. David, b. 175 1. 

6. Stephen. 

7. Sarah, m. Benj. Agard. 

David Hiscock, son of Nathan Hiscock, was born 175 1, 
died March 3, 1839. He was a soldier of the Revolution. 
He married Anstice Bugbee, daughter of Isaac Bugbee, 
January 13, 1774. She died June 19, 1817. 

Ch. I. Huldah, b. September 28, 1774; lived in Ver- 
mont; d. March 7, 1873. 
Warham, b. May 17, 1776; d. young. 
David, Jr., b. February 5, 1778. 
Isaiah, b. April 10, 1780. 

5. Joanna, b. March 9, 1782; d. August 13, 1868. 

6. Luke, b. 1784. 
Mary, b. May 6, 1787; m. Joseph Dorsett. 



THE HISCOCK FAMILY. 



355 



8. Anstice, b. October 12, 1793. 

9. Stephen, b. January 9, 1795; m. Roxy Lawson; 

d. April 29, 1881; was a preacher of the 
Christian denomination. 

David Hiscock, Jr., married Mrs. Ann Thompson, of 
Union, May 10, 1805. He died February 16, 1864. 

Ch. I. Lyman, b. December 29, 1805; m. Zerviah, 
daughter of Uriah Lyon, March 22, 1832. 

2. William, b. January 21, 1807. 

3. Alba, b. May 5, 1808. 

4. David Thompson, b. September 8, 1809. 

5. Sophronia, b. April 30, 181 1; d. August 26, 1837. 

6. Otis, b. July 15, 181 2; m. Mervil Green, August 

13, 1838; d. in California, May 26, 1865. 

7. Freeman, b. November 4, 1813; merchant in 

New York city. 

Isaiah Hiscock, son of David, Sr., lived on the farm 
north of E. N. Lawson's, and now owned by the latter. He 
married Dolly Grigg's, of Ashford, who was born May 29, 
1782, and died September 7, 1847. Isaiah Hiscock died 
January 28, 187 1. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. ; m. William Richardson, of 

Westford, January 11, 1838. 

2. Rebecca, b. ; m. Schuyler Spencer, Janu- 

ary I, 1829; now lives at East Woodstock. 

3. Luther Rich, b. February 22, 1812; m. Permelia 

Bugbee, of Union; lived in Charlton. 

4. Almira, b. ; m. Otis Lyon, of Woodstock, 

March 19, 1832. 

5. Isaiah, b. September 26, 1813; d. August 14, 

1846. 

6. Osborn Renselear, b. April 16, 1815; in. Ange- 

line Lee, of Vernon, Vt.; lives in Leyden, 
Mass. 

7. Zelotes Plummer, b. June 23, 1816. 

8. Dolly Ann, b. October 22, 1818; m. John P. 

Griggs, of Ashford, February 22, 1838. 



356 GENEALOGIES. 

9. Lucian Griggs, b. June 17, 182 1; m. Permelia 
Perrin, 1839; lives in Oregon. 

10. Emeline, b. July i, 1823; m. John P. Griggs, of 

Ashford, January 20, 1845. 

11. Fidelia, b. June 5, 1826; m. Fay. 

Luther R. Hiscock married Permelia Bugbee, daughter 
of Marcus, December 28, 1837. He lived at Charlton and 
died there. She died 1889. They had several children. 

Alba Hiscox, born in Union, married Lucy Under- 
wood, of Woodstock, November 26, 1835. She was born 
August 2, 1815. Alba Hiscox lived at Woodstock Valley, 
and was highly respected by his townsmen. He died Sep- 
tember 28, 1889. 

Ch. I. Ellen, b. May 24, 1836; m. David Newhall. 

2. Annette, b. December 2, 1839; m. Lucius 

Childs. 

3. Mary A., b. November 6, 1840; m. William H. 

Lendum. 

4. Abbie J., b. August 27, 1842; m. Rev. Hezekiah 

Davis. 

5. Marion, b. January 11, 1845. 

6. Sarah, b. July 4, 1846; m. C. F. Davis. 

7. Oliver, b. August 23, 1854; m. Lillian E. Briggs. 

8. Willie, b. June 17, 1857; d. October 8, 1865. 

Luke Hiscock, son of David, married . He mar- 
ried, second time, Eliza Wakefield, of Stafford, June 15, 

1845- 

Ch. I. Mary, m. James Walker, of Woodstock, Novem- 
ber 5, 1838. 

2. Luke, Jr., m. Ruth Leonard (?); lived at Dover, 

Vt. 

3. Stephen. 

4. Mark McFarland. 

5. David. 

6. Isaiah, Jr. 

7. Lyman. 



THE HITCHCOCK FAMILY. 357 

Zelotes Plummer Hiscock married Harmony C. Chaffee, 
of Ashford, July 15, 1844. He lived and died where his 
father did. He died Jiily 9, 1848. 
Ch. I. Albert, b. August 7, 1846. 

2. Delotia, b. January 14, 1849; m. George Knight; 
d. March 30, 1881. 
The widow of Plummer Hiscock married Joseph Farn- 
ham, August 13, 185 1. He died January 21, 1877, and Mrs. 
Harmony C. Farnham died June 21, 1885. 

Lyman Hiscock, son of Luke, married Cynthia J. Bur- 
ley, of Stafford, August 19, 1856. He lived in the west part 
of Union. 

Ch. I. Amelia J., b. vSeptember 13, 1857; m. George W. 
Bradway, of Stafford, February 26, 1882. 

2. Julia A., b. November 12, 1864. 

3. Ella A., b. October 8, 1867. 

4. Laura S., b. February 26, 1870. 

5. Grace E., b. April 15, 1873. 

Stephen Hiscock, brother of Nathan, Jr., bought land 
of George Hodges, of Woodstock, in Union, January 30, 
1777. Also bought land of Elijah Wales in 1789. He lived 
on Stickney Hill. He married Thankful More, of Stur- 
bridge. 

Ch. I. Joseph, d. February 4, 1792. 

2. Thankful, m. Asa Adams, of Winchester, N. H- 

3. Sylvester, b. June 11, 1780; moved to Vermont 

in 1805; m. Clarissa , 1803. 

4. Rhoda, m. Duty Marsh. 

THE HITCHCOCK FAMILY. 

Rev. Caleb Hitchcock, the second minister who was 
settled at Union, was born in Springfield, January 5, 172 1, 
and died at Brimfield, December 6, 1797. He was descended 
from Luke Hitchcock, of New Haven and Wethersfield. 
This Luke Hitchcock L had a son Luke, who was made 
freeman at Springfield in 1678. Luke IL had three sons. 



358 



GENEALOGIES. 



Luke III., Ebenezer and Peletiah. Each of these three 
sons had a son who graduated at Harvard and became a 
minister of the gospel. Luke's son, Caleb, settled at 
Union. The son of Ebenezer, Rev. Gad Hitchcock, D.D., 
settled at Pembroke, Mass. The son of Peletiah was Rev. 
Enos Hitchcock, D.D., of Providence. Rev. Caleb Hitch- 
cock, of Union, had a brother, Luke, who would be Luke 
IV., who was the great-grandfather of Rev. Edward Hitch- 
cock, D.D., president of Amherst College. 

Rev. Caleb Hitchcock married Sarah Winchester, 
November 30, 1750. He lived where the Newells do. 
Ch. ]. Luke, b, April 19, 1752. 

2. Elizabeth, b. February 29, 1754. 

3. Martha, b. December 9, 1755. 

4. Molly, b. August 27, 1761. 

5. Winchester, b. September 5, 1763. 

6. Gad, b. July 10, 1766. 

Luke was the ancestor of several families in Monson 
and Palmer. Gad settled at Brimfield, and was the father 
of Samuel A. Hitchcock, the founder of the Hitchcock 
Free High School. 

THE HOLMAN FAMILY. 

Thomas Holman, was the son of Thomas Holman, of 
Sutton and Newburyport, Mass. Thomas Holman, Jr., 
came to Union April 13, 1778. He married Lydia Bates, 
daughter of David Bates, October 17, 177 1, and lived for a 
short time where Frederick Barber now resides. They 
removed to Sutton, lived there a few years, then returned 
to Union and lived where his father-in-law David Bates 
did, or where E. N. Lawson now resides. 

Ch. I. Zilpha, b. October 16, 1772; m. Wyman Morris of 
Woodstock and died soon after. 

2. Thomas, b. May 19, 1774. 

3. Abram, b. July 30, 1776. 

4. John, b. 1778. 

5. Rufus, b. October 20, 1780. 

6. Jeremiah, b. February 25, 1789. 



THE HOLM AN FAMILY. 359 

Thomas Holman, 3D, son of Thomas Holman, Jr., mar- 
ried Lavinia Howard, daughter of John Howard, June 5^ 
1800, then bought the farm and built the house just south 
of the east school-house. He died August 6, 1856. His 
wife died April 30, 1866. 

Ch. I. Lydia, b. June 2, 1801; m. Deacon Paul Law- 
son, December 9, 1824; d. June 29, 1889. 

2. Salem, b. July i, 1802. 

3. Elijah, b. May 31, 1803. 

4. Almira, b. May 19, 1804; m. Samuel Shepard, of 

Sturbridge, Mass., October 16, 1827. She 
died April 8, 1869. Her children were, 
Lavinia, m. Ossian Crawford; Eliza, m. Clin- 
ton Lawson; Martha, m. Leonard Thomp- 
son; Marillo and Melven (twins); Marillo 
died at 13 years of age; Melven m. Jennie 
Butterworth, of Holland. 

5. Calista, b. April 19, 1807; m. Rev. Justus Vin- 

ton, missionary to Burmah, April 9, 1834. 
Two children, Brainerd, m. Julia Haswell, 
and Calista m. Rev. Morris Luther. (See 
biographical sketch). 

6. Lavinia, b. April 10, 1810; m. first, Harvey 

Goodale. Two children, Harvey, b. March 
3, 1840; Lavinia Justitia, b. December 19, 
1841; m. Waldo Carpenter. Harvey Goodale 
died September, 1843. His widow married 
Horatio Carpenter, March 2, 1856. She died 
August 9, 1887. 

7. Thomas, b. July 15, 1812. 

8. Minerva, b. March 4, 1816; m. Rev. Rudolphus 

Weston, August 25, 1840. She died March 
15, 185 1, leaving one son, Howard. Rev. R. 
Weston preached at Steilacoom, Washing- 
ton, at the time of his death, April 3, 1892. 



360 



GENEALOGIES. 



Abram Holman, son of Thomas, 2nd, went from Union 
to Ashford. He married Polly Converse, daughter of Ben- 
jamin. 

Ch. I. David, became a physician at Oxford, Mass. 

2. Lucy. 

3. Abram, lived in Mansfield. 

4. Justin. 

5. William, b. 181 1, lived in Willington; was the 

father of W. D. Holman, of Willington. 



John Holman, son of Thomas, 2nd, built the house and 
barn on the so-called Farnham place, north of Deacon Law- 
son's. After living there a time he went to Eastford about 
1817. He married Mary Bosworth, April 6, 1809. 



Ch. 



Newman, died young. 

Roxanna, married and lived in Tolland. 

Dicea, never married; died rather young. 

John, lives near Crj^stal Lake, Eastford. 

Mary. 

Emily, m. Nelson Clark, of Eastford. 

Newton, lives in the south part of Eastford. 



RuFUS Holman, son of Thomas, 2nd, lived where Dea- 
con Lawson now does. He was a cooper by trade and had 
a shop there. About 1826 he removed to Willington, thence 
to Vernon. He married Lucy Eddy of Monson, September 
I, 1803. 
Ch. 



Chester, b. November i, 1804; d. April 19, 1808. 
Lucina, b. April i, 1807; m. and went to Wis. 
Annis, b. August 20, 1810; m. Solyman Sparks 

of Tolland. 
Palmer, b. February 20, 1813; went to Iowa, 

where he kept hotel. 
Amy, b. August 16, 181 5. 

Clarissa, b. June 11, 1816; d. February 11, 1819. 
Lucy, b. November 11, 1820. 
Riifus Milton, b. October 8, 1826; died young. 



THE HOLMAN FAMILY. 361 

Jeremiah Holman, son of Thomas, lived in Charlton. 
He perished in a snowstorm, March 30, 1823, just north of 
where L. A. Corbin now lives, as he was on his way to the 
home of his brother Rufus. He married Sally Mclntire, 
December 14, 1809. 

Ch. I. Morris, b. February 11, 181 1. 

2. Aiigustus, b. 1 81 9, lived at Carthage, 111. 

3. Esther, b. 1822; m. Charles Morse of Charlton, 

Mass. Had one daughter, Belle, who was an 
art student, and died in Germany. 

Salem Holman, son of Thomas, 3d, was a mechanic in 
Hartford. He married Henrietta Holland, of Hartford, in 
1831. He died at Hartford, August 13, 1835. He was the 
first one to be buried in the east cemetery at Union. 

Ch. I. Henrietta Calista, b. March, 1832; m. Thomas 
Lee, M. D., of New York. 
2. Lavinia Maria, b. February, 1836; now a teacher 
in the Normal College of New York. 

Elijah Holman, son of Thomas, 3d, married Hannah 
Wilbur, January 5, 1834, who died July, 1859. He died 
February 28, 1837. 

Ch. I. vSarah Crawford, b. December 18, 1834; d. March, 

1845. 
2. Henrietta Almira, b. February 4, 1836; m. 
Horatio Carpenter, and now lives at Stur- 
bridge, Mass. 

Rev. Thomas Holman, son of Thomas, 3d, married 
Maria Louisa Crawford, daughter of Charles Crawford of 
Woodstock, August 6, 1846. He died October 4, 1883. (See 
biographical sketch.) They had one child. 

Ch. I. Marie Louise, b. August 5, 1850; is a teacher of 
music and painting. She lives with her 
mother, at Rockford, 111. 

Rev. Morris Holman, son of Jeremiah, graduated at 
Amherst, in 1837, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 



362 GENE A LOGIES. 

in 1840. He was settled as a Congregational minister, 
first at York, Me., subsequently at Kennebunkport, and at 
Deering, N. H. He retired from the active ministry in 
1875, and died at Antrim, N. H., August 25, 1889. He mar- 
ried Mary Weare Lunt, of York, Me., February 18, 1845. 
Ch. I. Alfred Morris, b. November 18, 1845. 

2. William Augustus, b. November 27, 1849. 

3. Samuel Weare, b. June 5, 1855. 

4. Sarah Mclntire, b. October 27, 1857; d. October 

9, 1883. 



Timothy Holton, came from Killingly to Union, and 
bought the Wyman place, or ministerial lot (now the Con- 
gregational parsonage), April 7, 1769. He was a tory in 
the Revolution, and accounted as a man of no principle or 
honor. He was maltreated in the war of the .Revolution, 
by his patriotic neighbors. He went to Ellington or Wind- 
sor, and became respectable and a man of property. His 
wife .was Damaris, daughter of Rev. Perley Howe, of Kill- 
ingly. 

Ch. I. Damaris, b. at Killingly, September 3, 1768. 

2. John, b. at Killingly, March 23, 1770. 

3. Tamar, b. at Union, February 29, 1772. 



THE HORTON FAMILY, 



Rev. Ezra Horton, was the third minister of Union. 
He was ordained June 14, 1759, and dismissed August 6, 
1783. He was born at Southold, L. I., Dec. 25, 1733, and died 
at Union, Jan. 13, 1789, at the age of 56. He lived on the 
place where his great-grandson, Bruce Horton, now lives. 
Rev. Mr. Horton was the son of James Horton, the son 
of Jonathan Horton, the son of Barnabas Horton who was 
born at Mousley, in Leicestershire, in England, and died 
in Southold, L. I., July 13, 1600, aged 80. 

The descendants of Barnabas Horton, are still so numer- 
ous at Southold, L. 1., that the minister of that place, Rev. 
Mr. Whittaker, said in 1862, that one-seventh of his congre- 



THE nOETON FAMIL Y. 363 

gation was made tip of persons of the name of Horton, 
while his blood was doubtless in the veins of half his con- 
gregation. Barnabas Horton came to Sonthold in 1640. 

Rev. Ezra Horton graduated at Nassau Hall, Princeton, 
in 1754, and received from Yale the honorary degree of A. 
M., in 1772. He was a good writer, and a fine scholar in 
the learning of his time. His last days were embittered 
by the difficulties among his people, which resulted in his 
dismission after twenty-four years of service. 

Rev. Mr. Horton married Mary Hempstead of South- 
old, L. I., daughter of Robert Hempstead, of Southold. She 
was born September 18, 1736,. and died at West Stafford, 
January 23, 1815, aged 79. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. October i, 1759, m. Calvin Ingals of 
West Stafford, May 28, 1795, and died May 
12, 1S33, aged 74. 

2. Ezra, b. April 12, 1761. 

3. Anna, b. April 15, 1763, m. Robert Lawson, 

Esq., January 30, 1783, d. December 14, 1841, 
aged 78. 

Deacon Ezra Horton, son of Rev. Ezra Horton, was a 
soldier in the Revolution and retained through his long 
life a most vivid recollection of the events of the Revolu- 
tion and of the persons in this town in any way connected 
with the war. He was a man of decisive character, moral 
worth, and tenacious memory. He coiild tell all the mis- 
sionaries by name, who had been sent abroad by the Ameri- 
can Board, the several places where they had been sta- 
tioned, and much they had written for the Missionary Her- 
ald. For many years he served as deacon of the Congre- 
gational church, but in consequence of blindness and the 
infirmity of old age, he resigned his charge about 1830, a 
long time before his death. He married Olive May, of 
Holland, December 12, 1785. He died May 31, 1848, 
aged 87. 

His wife Olive, died March 15, 1833. 

Ch. I. Thomas, b. October 8, 1786; never married; d. 



364 GENEALOGIES. 

by drowning in Lake Erie, December 25, 
1838. 

2. Erastus, b. October 7, 1787 (just one year and 

six minutes younger than Thomas). 

3. Philena, b. June 12, 1789, m. Salmon Strong, 

January 5, 1812; d. October 21, 1861. 

4. Gurdon, b. February 24, 1791. 

5. Lucinda, b. August 28, 1792; m. Alfred Moore, 

January 28, 1819. 

6. Ezra, b. June 12, 1794. 

7. Norman, b. December 5, 1795. 

8. Chauncey, b. May 13, 1797. 

9. Mary, b. October 17, 1798; m. Elijah Kinney, 

May 31, 1821. 

10. Joseph, b. February 16, 1799; d. March 27, 1800. 

11. Almira, b. April 27, 1801. 

12. Eli, b. May 6, 1803; m. Katherine E. Ellsworth. 

13. Olive, b. April i, 1805; m. Elbert Foster, April 

30, 1830. 

14. Lawrens, b. March 24, 1807; m. first, Almfra 

Coe, June 11, 1834; second, Laura Bennett. 

15. Fidelia, b January 5, 1809; m. Thomas Moore, 

September 15, 1835. 

Erastus Hortox, son of Deacon Ezra, settled first (in 
1815), in Oneida, N. Y., then in 1832, at Scriba, N. Y. In 
1841, he moved to Jefferson Co., Wis., and in 1857 to San 
Diego, where he died Feb. 18, 1875. He married Try- 
phena Burley, April 28, 1808. 

Ch. I. Almira Minerva, b. June i, 1809, in Union. 
Mary Emily, b. July 19, 181 1, in Union. 
Alonzo Erastus, b. October 24, 1813, in Union. 

4. Ezra, b. February 12, 1816, at Augusta, N. Y. 

5. Nelson B., b. March 27, 1818, at Smithfield, N. Y. 

6. Thomas de Lafayette, b. December 16, 1824, at 
New Haven, N. Y. 

7. Lucy Jane, b. April 7, 1835, at Scriba, N. Y. 



THE HORTON FAMILY. 



565 



GuRDON HoRTON, soii of Deacoii Ezra, married Lucy 
Davidson, of South Brimfield (now Wales), May i, 1816. 
Ch. I. Royal, b. July 31, 1819; d. September 25, 1820. 

2. Theodore Dwight, b. August 3, 1821; died 

March 13, 1863, in the hospital, at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

3. Charles, b. May 31, 1823; d. September 10, 1830. 

4. Herman M., b. February 23, 1825; d. October 8, 

1825. 

5. Olive, b. April 23, 1827; d. August 22, 1830. 

6. William Morgan, b. July 6, 1829. 

7. Francis G., b. July 6, 1829; d. October 26, 1833. 

8. Eli, b. November 27, 1834. 

9. Philena, b. August 22, 1838. 



Ezra Horton, son of Deacon Ezra, married Lucy Shep- 
ard, daughter of Whitmore, of East Windsor. She died 
October 3, 1871. 

He was an invalid during the last part of his life, una- 
ble to leave bed. He died July 30, 1886, aged 92. 

Ch. I. Jared, b. January 18, 1822, at Windsor Locks. 

Helen, b. August 3, 1823; m. Orrin Morse, 

December i, 1843. 
Thomas, b. May 4, 1825; m. Delight H.Wales, 
April 29, 1850. 

4. Edwin, b. 1826; d. 1827. 

5. Elvira, b. July 30, 1828; m. Thomas P. Leonard. 

6. Edward Haskell, b. July 27, 1830; d. Decem- 
ber 24, 1834. 

7. Ezra Mason, b. June 3, 1832. 
Charles, b. July 3, 1834. 
Olive, b. June 27, 1836; m. Joseph H. Longden, 

April 10, i860. 
William Henry Harrison, b. October 10, 1839; 

m. Armena Corbin, February 13, 1866. 
Robert Bruce, b. October 13, 1843. 



366 GENEALOGIES. 

Norman Horton, son of Deacon Ezra, lived at Cold- 
spring, Wis. He married Esther Griggs, Nov. 21, 1823. He 
died in the fall of 1876. 

Ch. I. Harriet, b. August 22, 1824; m. William Bar- 
row; d. September 3, 1855. 

2. Carlo, b. February 13, 1826; d. at Koskonong, 

November 3, 1846. 

3. Norman Sanford, b. April 17, 1828; m. Lucy 

Lewis, December 25, 1855, resided at Owat- 
* tonna, Minn. 

4. Elisha Griggs, b. at vStockbridge, N. Y., August 

20, 1830, was a physician at Whitewater, 
Wis.; m. Harriet Rawson. 

5. Ezra, b. August 13, 1832, d. at Coldspring, Wis., 

April 21, 1862. 

6. Esther Ann, b. July 26, 1836; m. Frank Delong, 

November 15, 1S60. 

7. Sarah L., b. February 6, 1839. 

8. Malvin M., b. at Koskonong, May 12, 1843; m. 

Sophronia Cheesebro, December 24, 1863. 

9. Charlotte, b. May 9, 1846; m. Charles Wilby, 

April 6, 1866. 
Norman Horton lived at Coldspring, Wis., 1874. He 
died at Whitewater, Wis., June i, 1878. 

Chauncey Horton, son of Deacon Ezra, married, Sep- 
tember 30, 1824, Amanda Chaffee, of Ashford. He settled 
first at Westford, and then at Stockbridge, N. Y., where he 
died September 15, 1848, aged 51. 

Ch. I. Sophronia, b. January 5, 1826; m. John J. Car- 
ver, of Stockbridge, N. Y. 

2. Almira Amanda, b. January 20, 1828; m. H. A. 

Coolidge, and had three children. She died 
in February, 1875. 

3. Emeline, b. September 29, 1829; graduated at 

Oberlin in 1853, and from the Woman's Med- 
ical College of Pennsylvania, in 1855; held 
the Chair of Anatomy in that college from 



TSE HO It TON FA MIL Y. 367 

1857 till 1862, when she was tranferred to the 
Chair ' of Obstetrics. She has been promi- 
nent in the management of the Hospital for 
Women and Children at Philadelphia. She 
has performed many important surgical ope- 
rations. She married March 8, 1854, Rev. 
Giles B. Cleveland, and they have one son, 
Arthur H., b. at Philadelphia, February 10, 
1865. 

4. Mary Ann, b. Feb. i, 1831; m. Rev. R. H. Clark, 

May 16, 1854. 

5. Cynthia, b. February 22, 1833; m. Justus Will- 

iams, of Fort Atkinson, Wis., August 27, 

1857- 

6. Chauncey Chaffee, b. March 24, 1835; m. Eliza- 

beth Hurlburt, January 18, ^1854, and died 
June 24, 1870. 

7. Harvey L., b. April 26, 1837; m. Clarissa Chap- 

man, October 18, 1866. 

8. Eimice Angeline, b. September 30, 1839; d. 

February 4, 1841. 

9. Gerritt Smith, b. September 9, 1841; d. Septem- 

ber 3, 1878. 

Eli Horton, son of Deacon Ezra, settled first at Staf- 
ford Springs; then moved to Windsor Locks, where he 
resides. His life has been characterized by industry, 
economy and strict integrity. He has been an active busi- 
ness man, become wealthy, and has always shared largely 
in the respect and esteem of his fellow men. He was the 
inventor of an improved chuck for a turning lathe, which 
he patented, and manufactured at a great profit. He also 
invented a machine for setting pins, for which he secured 
a patent, and for the right he has been offered $10,000. 

He married Katherine E. Ellsworth, of East Windsor, 
January 25, 1832. 

Ch. I. Stoddard Ellsworth, b. March 31, 1833; m. 
Fanny C. Chase, November i, 1864. 



368 GENEALOGIES. 

2. Anna Ellsworth, b. September 17, 1835. 

3. Kate Elsie, b. January 6, 1837; m. Ezra B. Bai- 

ley, of Franklin, Conn., December 14, 1870. 

4. Eli, b. August 24, 1839; d. at Stafford, March 3, 

1841. 
Eli Horton died at Windsor Locks, December 13, 1878. 

Lawrens Horton, son of Deacon Ezra, settled at 
Oswego, N. Y . He married, the first time, Almira Coe, 
daughter of Albert Coe, of vScriba, N. Y., June 11, 1834, who 
died June 21, 1842. He married, second, Laura Bennett of 
Kingston, Canada, who died July 5, 1867. 

His children were by his first wife: 

Ch. I. Emily, b. March 21, 1835. 

2. William Henry, b. February 12, 1840; now in 

the bee business at San Francisco, Cal. 
By second marriage: 

3. Almira, b. March 3, 1850. 

4. Alvin, b. April i, 1853; d. May 8, 1855. 

5. Nora, b. August 29, 1857. 

6. Celia, b. September 8, 1861; d. September 20, 

1863. 

Alonzo E. Horton, the "Father of San Diego, Califor- 
nia," son of Erastus, was born and lived two years in 
Union. Then (in 1815), he went forth with his parents 
and started on what has been perhaps the most remarkable 
and varied career of any native of the town. He lived 
with his parents at vStockbridge, New Haven, and Scriba, 
N. Y. The little education he received was obtained from 
the common schools, his youth being one of toil. His first 
enterprise was in purchasing a small vessel and engaging 
in the wheat trade between Oswego and Canada. In this 
he was quite successful. He went to Milwaukee in 1836. 
While there, by quick perception and prompt action he 
made a large profit on certain bank notes, and barely 
escaped being robbed afterwards. He engaged in various 
employments, one of which was cattle dealing. He invested 



THE nORTON FAMILY. 369 

in land and started a town in Wisconsin, which was named 
Hortonville after him. He made $7,iS8 on this enterprise. 
In 1 85 1 he went to California and engaged in mining. He 
made immense sums in trading in gold dust. His strong 
point was trading, his quick foresight and ready perception 
making him nearly always successful. He engaged in 
trading in Panama, and was there in 1856, when the memo- 
rable rising of the natives took place. He conducted the 
Americans, who were attacked, safely to the ship. Pro- 
ceeding to New York and Washington, he gave the Gov- 
ernment important testimony in deciding what reparation 
New Grenada should pay the U. S. But the property he 
lost there (some $10,000) was never restored. In 186 1 he 
started for the Pacific coast, visiting British Columbia. 
Here he invested in a mine but it failed. He went to San 
Francisco and upon arriving there had no capital what- 
ever. But he had the strength and elasticity of steel in 
his spirit and nerves. He engaged in various mercantile 
dealings, until hearing of San Diego and its advantages, 
he was so impressed that he gathered all his capital, about 
$500, and went thither, where he arrived April 6, 1867. He 
secured the desired land, 750 acres, for thirty-six cents an 
acre ! He immediately commenced advertising it, and laid 
out the streets for his workmen to clear of cactus and sage 
brush. His sales increased from $3,000 in 1867, to nearly 
$85,000 in 1870. As fast as the money was received it was 
used in building up the place. He had used $300,000 for 
that purpose previous to 1875. He lives to-day in the city 
which he has built up, and has earned the respect and 
esteem of his fellow citizens. 

He married, first Sally M, V/right, December 22, 1841, 
at Jefferson, Wis. She died December 29, 1846. He mar- 
ried second, Sarah W. Babe, July 29, 1846, at Keyport, N. J. 
He has no children. 

Jared Horton, son of Ezra, moved to Albany, N. Y., in 
1840, where he was a butcher by occupation. He died June 



370 GENEALOGIES. 

15, 1886. He married Harriet Tredeaii, December 30, 1847, 
at Albany. 

Ch. I. Ezra Tredeau, b. October 29, 1850. 

2. Clara Ann, b. May 18, 1853. 

3. Frederick, b. May 16, 1855. 

4. Alaxie, b. September 27, 1857. 

5. Edward Grant, b. November 4, 1866. 

6. Harriet Louisa, b. July 29, 1871. 

Thomas Horton, son of Ezra, married Delight H. Wales 
daughter of Aaron Allen, April 29, 1850. She died May 9, 
1875. He then married Jane Needham of Monson. 

Ch. I. Emma J., b. Aiigust 2, 185 1; d. October i, 1868. 
2. Ellsworth, b. Januar}^ 2, 1862; died February 
12, 1885. 

Ezra Mason Horton, son of Ezra, married Mary Jane 
Bartlett, daughter of Daniel, August 2, 1859. He settled 
on the Dr. Hammond place, which he bought of Ossian 
Crawford. He has been engaged in farming and lumber- 
ing. He is a valuable and respected citizen of the town, 
and has held many town offices. He was town clerk from 
1870 to 1874, and was in the Legislature of 1887. He is one 
of the pillars of the church at Union. 

Ch. I. Ralzamon Mason, b. March 15, 1862; lives in 
California. 

2. Emmons Bruce, b. September 17, 1863. 

3. Lucy Paine, b. May 11, 1865; m. Frederick 

Aldrich, November 21, 1887. They have had 
two children. Herbert Daniel, b. October i, 
1888 and Ida May, b. December 31, 1890; d. 
October 26, 1891. 

4. Ma^-y Percy, b. June 24, 1868; d. August 12, 

1870. 

5. Martha Pricilla, b. June 24, 1868; d. July 16, 

1868. 

6. Knowlton Howard, b. August 16, 187 1; d. June 

28, 1872. 

7. Adeline Sarah, b. May 27, 1874. 



THE HOUGHTON FAMILY. 



371 



Charles Horton, son of 'Ezra., now resides in New York 
city. He married in Albany, N. Y., March 23, 1859, Jane 
Frances Percy, daughter of John. 

Ch. I. Florence Effie^ b. in Albany, April 4, i860. 

2. Frances Charlena, b. in Albany, November 13, 

1863. 

3. John Charles, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16, 

1867. 

4. Nelly, b. December 8, 1875. 

Robert Bruce Horton, son of Ezra, was in the army, 
the youngest man in the company of which David Corbin 
became captain. 

He married Mary E. Coon, daughter of Isaac, of Pom- 
fret, November 8, 1865. vShe died December i, 1885. He 
married second, Mary Crawford, daughter of Fayette, 
April 23, 1890. 

Emmons Bruce Horton, son of E. Mason, married Min- 
nie G. Thayer, daughter of George, December 25, 1886. 
Ch. I. George Mason, b. February 14, 1888. 
2. Ralzamon Emmons, b. October, 1891. 

the HOUGHTON FAMILY. 

Edward Houghton came from England with a brother, 
and a cousin Thomas, to Pomfret, and thence to Union. He 
bought land of Samuel Bartholomew, August 14, 1774. He 
lived at the place called Lawson's mill, where he had a 
grist-mill and saw-mill. 

The same year, 1774, Thomas Houghton of Harvard, 
Mass., bought land in Union of Edward Houghton. It is 
supposed they were relatives, probably cousins. 

Edward Houghton died March 15, 1777, aged between 
70 and 80. Abigail Houghton, wife of Edward, died March 

30, 1777- 

Ch. I. Cornelius. 

2. Jonas. 

3. James. 



372 



GENEALOGIES. 



4. Asa. 

5. Experience, ni. James Bartlett. 

6. Edward. 

Jonas Houghton, son of Edward, settled in Union and 
Woodstock. He married, November 29, 1768, Sarah Ab- 
bott of Woodstock, daughter of Joseph Abbott, the son of 
Daniel Abbott of Ashford, the son of George Abbott, Jr., 
of Andover, the son of George Abbott of Andover, the 
first comer. The register of the Abbott family is wrong 
in making Sarah Abbott the wife of James Houghton, in- 
stead of Jonas. 

Ch. I. Amasa, b. at Union, February 17, 1769. 

2. Sarah, b. at Union, February 17, 1770. 

3. Hannah, b. at Union, June 20, 1773. 

4. Daniel, b. at Woodstock. 

5. Polly, b. at Woodstock. 

6. Wealthy, b. at Woodstock. 



James Houghton, son of Edward, settled in Union. He 
inarried Phebe Holt of Andover, September 11, 1755. 
Ch. I. James, b. June 16, 1756. 

2. Ephraim, b. May 18, 1759. 

3. Phebe, b. August 11, 1762. 

4. Silvanus, b. June 21, 1765. 

5. Rinda, b. February 14, 1768. 

6. Bethiah, b. March 8, 1771. 

7. Asenath, b. November 29, 1775. 

8. Experience, b. February 8, 1777. 



Asa Houghton, son of Edward, settled in Union and 
then at Wales in 1779. He married Sybil Davis, daughter 
of Tristram Davis of South Brimfield, June 23, 1768. He 
died at Wales, April 17, 1829, aged 87. 



Ch. 



Cynthia, b. vSeptember 25, 1768. 
Walter, b. February 2, 1770. 
Wareham, b. December 15, 1771. 
Abigail, b. July 2, 1775. 
Asa, b. 1794; died April 2, 1855. 



THE HOUGHTON FAMILY. 



373 



Edward Houghton, Jr., son of Edward, vSr., married 
Olive Russel, born May 25, 1748; died November 13, 1829. 
He lived in Thompson. 

Ch. I. Molly, b. January 6, 1773; d. October 15, 1797. 
Elias, b. October 9, 1774; d. August, 1805. 

3. Olive, b. August 27, 1776; d. January 29, 1803. 

4. Abial, b. October 25, 1778; d. October 25, 1807. 

5. Polly, b. October 6, 1780; d. October i, 1855. 

6. David, b. March 31, 1783; d. October 14, 1855. 
Edward, b. April 9, 1785. 

Hannah, b. May i, 1787; d. September 15, 1788. 
Hannah, b. July 12, 1789. 

Nehemiah, b. June 10, 1791; d. October 9, 1875. 
Betsey, b. July 22, 1793. 
Ino, b. January 3, 1797. 



Nehemiah Houghton, son of Edward, Jr., and Olive 
Russel, was born at Pomfret, June 10, 1791, and died at 
Union, October 9, 1875. He built on the place west of 
Benjamin Corbin's, where he spent most of his life. He 
married Esther Lawson, daiighter of Thomas Lawson, Jr., 
March 27, 1817. She died November 24, 1882. 

Ch. I. Diana, b. June 17, 1817; m. Jedediah P.Webster 
of Wilbraham, October 8, 1837; 2 children, 
Mary J., b. October 8, 1839, cl- 1887; Henry 
G., b. July 4, 1845. 

2. Lucy, b. December 31, 1818; m. Nathan Black- 

mer of Woodstock; lives in Dudley. 

Ch. Thomas, b. December 20, 1844; Anna, 
b. February, 1847; Mary, b. May, 1849; 
Charles, b. October 15, 185 1; Andrew, b. 
September 26, 1853; Melven C, b. November 
II, 1856; Elmer, b. December 9, i860. 

3. Miranda A., b. March 8, 1821; m. William How- 

ard of Union. She died February 11, 1846. 
One child, died young. 

4. Mary Anne, b. August 10, 1823; m. Hiram Steb- 

bins of Wilbraham, April 9, 1844. vShe died 



374 GENEALOGIES. 

April 17, 1856. One child, Julia, b. 1846; d. 
October 22, 1869. 

5. Cemantha, b. April 5, 1826; m. Oliver Angell. 

6. Diantha, b. August 15, 1828; m. Eben Allen of 

Maine, November, 1852, and had one son, 
Amos, b. March 12, 1855. She died Septem- 
ber 6, 1856. Eben Allen died November 8, 
1864. 

7. Celinda, b. November 17, 1830; d. September 

3, 1833- 

8. Marcus Taft, b. July 28, 1833. 

9. Celinda Ruth, b. December 27, 1835. 

10. Dilana, b. July 6, 1840; m. Frank Letcher. 

11. Lecta Levada, b. August 29, 1842; m. Albert 

Heuser; lived in Steptoe valley, Nevada; 4 
children, William, Mary, Charles and Crane. 

Marcus T. Houghton, son of Nehemiah, went to Iowa 
about 1856; lived first at Powell, then at Vinton, whence 
he went to Beatrice, South Dakota, about 1885. 
Ch. (living) i. Albert, b. November 7, 1861. 

2. Paul, b. November 17, 1865. 

3. Minnie, b. June 3, 1873. 

4. Ernest. 



Abner Howard, son of Eleazar of Sturbridge, came to 
Union not far from 1799. He was born in Sturbridge, 
December 16, 1771. His father Eleazar was an extensive 
land-holder in Sturbridge. His father, Thomas, lived in 
Mansfield and married Sarah Standish, a descendant of 
Miles Standish. 

Abner Howard of Union married Abigail Coye, daugh- 
ter of Archibald. 

Ch. I. Polly, m. Lester Anderson, August 3, 1817. 

Abner Howard lived south of the Kinney mills. He 
died April 7, 1825. Abigail, his wife, died August 30, 1842, 
aged 64. 





Phillip Corbin. 



THE CORBIN FAMILY. 311 

in the Legislature of 1852, and held other town offices. He 

was a man of good business ability and was respected by 

his fellow townsmen. He died March 8, 1872, of paralysis. 

Ch. I. Samuel Aurelius, b. January 28, 1S16; d. June 

10, 181 7. 

2. Charlotte Juliette, b. February 10, 1817; d. May 

12, 1828. 

3. Samuel Merillo, b. December 15, 181 8. 

4. Aurelius Orville, b. April 17, 182 1. 

5. Lovicy Rhoby, b. March 16, 1823; m. Jonathan 

T. Cummings, of Mansfield, November 6, 
i860. 

6. Charles Augustus, b. December 16, 1824. 

7. Philo Roderick, b. January 25, 1827. 

8. Henrj' Fielder, b. April 27, 1829. 

9. Charlotte Juliette, b. February 23, 1834; m. 

Isaac Johnson, of Sturbridge (now of Wood- 
stock), October 28, 1887. 

Philip Corbin, Jr., went from Union to Willington, 
and afterwards (in 1833) to West Hartford, Conn. He 
married Lois Chaffee, of Ashford, November 29, 1820. 
He died July 24, 1881. She died September 9, 1872. 

Ch. I. Hezekiah H., b. in Union, November 29, 182 1; 
m. Maria Rider, of Willington. 

2. Waldo, b. in Union, January 26, 1823; m. Emily 

Curtiss, of New Britain; d. 1873. 

3. Philip, b. in Willington, October 26, 1824; m. 

Francina T. Whiting, of New Britain (see 
biographical sketch). 

4. Lois, b. in Willington, October 5, 1826. 

5. Frank, b. in Willington, January 26, 1828; m. 

Mary Beckley, of New Britain. 

6. Angerona, b. in Willington, January 22, 1830. 

7. William, b. in Willington, September 29, 1831; 

d. October 28, i860. 

8. Andrew, b. in West Hartford, June 10, 1833; m. 

Mary Moon, of New Britain. 



312 ■ GENEALOGIES. 

9. George, b. in West Hartford, June 22, 1836 ; m. 
Clara Greenleaf, of Boston, Mass. 
10. Elbert E., b. in West Hartford, October 17, 
1843; m. Charlotte Eckleford, of Philadel- 
phia. 
Others died very young. 

Healy Corbin, son of Philip, married Nancy Coye, 
daughter of David Coye, October 13, 1825. Their children 
were : 

Ch. I. Rhoby, b. September 19, 1826; d. August 19, 
1827. 

2. Lucy Rhoby, b. April 2, 1828; m. Philip F. 

Gage, of Woodstock, August 31, 1853. She 
married, second time, Ebenezer Byron Fos- 
ter, of Union, who died November 14, 1862, 
at Trinitv Soldiers' Hospital, Washington, 
D. C. 

3. Nancy Deliza, b. December 19, 1829; m. Edwin 

W. Upham, November 12, 1848. 

4. Mary Minerva, b. October 29, 1831; m. Lucius 

Agard, February 13, 1854. 

5. Rebecca, b. September 23, 1834; m. Stephen 

Agard, October 23, 1856. 

6. Maria, b. August 26, 1836; d. November 25^ 

1836. 

7. Elvira, b. June 14, 1838; m. Rev. George Curtiss, 

January 13, 1864; d. May, 1875. 

8. Miner Healy, b. December 27, 1840. 

Healy Corbin removed to Brimfield in 1868. He died 
October 21, 1878. 

Nancy Corbin, his wife, died May 2, 1878. 

Augustus Corbin, son of Philip, married Pamelia Pres- 
ton and lived at Willington. 

Ch. I. Cleora; lives in Vermont. 

2. Sarah, m. Lysander Taft; d. in Norwich, Conn., 

1890. 

3. Silas; lives in Chicago, 111. 




HeaLY CORBIN. 



TEE CORBIN FAMILY. 



Z^2> 



4. Mary. 

5. Persis; drowned. 

Hermon Corbin, son of Philip, married, first time, 
Calista Knowlton, who died September 19, 1846, aged 39. 
By her he had three children. He then married Maria M. 
Sherman, September 15, 1847, and had one child. She died 
January 9, 1863, aged 41. He married, third time, Mrs. 
Sarah E. Kenyon, April 28, 1869, and had one child. His 
third wife died May 2, 1889. 

Hermon Corbin died July 12, 1890, at Monson, Mass. 
Ch. I. Lorette, b. April 6, 1834; m. Roswell Needham, 
May 3, 1857. 
Rhoby Amelia, b. June 29, 1838; m. Leverett 

A. Snow, October 8, 1861. 
Armena, b. March 4, 1842; m. William H. Hor- 

ton, February 13, 1866. 
Ann M., b. July 25, 185 1; m. Milton Young in 

1871. 
Alena Bell, b. October 29, 1870; m. Carlton 
Hollingworth, of Staffordville, September 
ro, 1890. 

Samuel Merillo Coriun, son of Samuel, married May 
20, 1841, Ann M. Stowell, of Clarksburg, Md. 

Ch. I. Emma L., b. February 16, 1848; d. December 
2, 1849. 
2. Samuel P., b. August 3, 1849; d. December 17, 
1849. 

AuRELius O. Corbin, son of Samuel, married Ruth 
Blodgett, March 29, 1848; lived at Springfield; was an 
architect; died 1879. 

Ch. I. Martha Jane, b. February i, 1849. 

2. Harriet Maria, b. June 17, 1854. 

3. Arthur Orville, b. March 15, i860. 

Charles A. Corbin, son of Samuel, married Lovisa Law- 
son, January 17, 1849. They lived first at East Hartford, 
then at Vernon, and since at Wilbraham, Mass. 



314 GENEALOGIES. 

Ch. I. Frederick Charles, b. March 22, 1850; d. Novem- 
ber I, 1854/ 

2. Alice Marilla, b. July 13, 1852; m. James 

Dyson; have had 3 children. 

3. Emma Minerva, b. October 29, 1855; m. James 

Phelps; 3 children. 

4. Harriet Louise, b. May 16, i860; d. January 20, 

1861. 

5. Elizabeth Charlotte, b. July 9, 1862; m. Ed. 

Chapman; 2 children. 

6. Edith Louise, b. October 29, 1864. 

7. Annie Lavinia, b. June 15, 1868; m. Dana Pom- 

eroy, of Springfield. 

Philo Roderick Corbin, son of Samuel, married Emma 
P. Converse, of Stafford, May 14, 1855. He lived at^Gales- 
burg, 111. 

Ch. I. Jennie S., b. March 31, 1855. 

2. Arthur M., b. February 19, i860. 

Henry Fielder Corbin, son of Samuel, married 
Philanda W. Buck, of Pomfret, Conn., November 8, 1853. 
Ch. I. Edward Merillo, b. August 5, 1854. 

2. Ella Maria, b. October 27, 1861; m. August 18, 
1886, Arthur Channing Barrows, of Provi- 
dence, R. L; children, Florence Louise, b. 
March 19, 1888; Raymond Corbin, b. March 
8, 1889. 

Edward M. Corbin, son of Henry, married Sarah 
Hoyle, May i, 1880; lives at Putnam, Conn. 
Ch. I. Frederick Merillo, b. July 29, 1882. 

2. Harold Standish, b. March 4, 1888. 

3. Harlie Inez, b. November 26, 1890. 

Miner Healy Corbin, son of Healy, settled in Brimfield, 
Mass., April 8, 1868. He married, first, Jane Betsey Dim- 
mick (born at West Stafford, January i, 1849), March 24, 



HOWARD, HUNT. 375 

Marvin Howard, son of Amos Howard of Eastford and 
Mary Burley, daughter of Samuel, was born vSeptember 23, 
1825. He came to Union and lived on the Fairbanks place. 
He was a carpenter by trade. He was a steward and 
trustee of the M. E. church at Mashapaug. He married 
Betsey Maria Wales, daughter of Aaron Allen Wales, Octo- 
ber 26, 1 85 1. He removed to Eastford, and died there 
March 29, 1883. 

Ch. I. Oscar Allen, b. September 11, 1852; m. Almena, 
daughter of Sylvanus Battey of Stafford, 
February 26, 1873. He worked making boxes 
for Myron Kinney at Putnam, Conn., and 
was killed by being caught in a belt and 
drawn over a shafting, February 7, 1878. 
He was a very worthy young man. He left 
two children, (i) Cora Louise, b. July 29, 
1875, and (2) Arthur Oscar, b. September 20, 
1878; d. September 17, 1883. His widow 
married Lowell Wilcox. 

2. .Charles Amos, b. February 11, 1854; m. Novem- 

ber 14, 1877, Emma Chamberlain, daughter of 
William, of West Woodstock. They live in 
Barre, Mass. Their daughter, Lena Maude, 
was born October 25, 1878. 

3. Philo Thomas, b. December 11, 1855; d. Sep- 

tember 29, 1857. 

4. Ernest Albert, b. April 17, i860; m. Etta Bes- 

sey of Eastford, October 25, 1883. She died 
September 12; 1887. He married, second, 
Edith E. Swindell, January 14, 1891. 



John Hunt, son of John of Rehoboth, came to Union in 
1 77 1. His farm was that now owned by Henry Corbin. 
He married, first, L5^dia Bullock of Worcester, April 2, 
1775. She died May 3, 1790, and he married second, Anna 
Weston of Willington, September 8, 1791. He was a Revo- 
lutionary soldier, serving 20 months. 



376 



GENEALOGIES. 



Ch. I. John, b. April 21, 1776. 

2. Lydia, b. March 9, 1780. 

3. Salmon, b. March 5, 1782. 

4. Susanna, b. March 24, 1785. 

5. William, b. December 10, 1787. 

6. Daniel, b. October 12, 1792. 

7. Jerethmel, b. January 3, 1794. 

8. Mary, b. June 14, 1795. 

9. Ira, b. February 15, 1797; d. Aiigust 19, 1800. 
10. Timothy Weston, b. July 18, 1799. 

John Hunt moved to New York from Union. 



Rev. Calvin Ingalls of West Stafford preached some 
time as stated supply in Union. He was the son of Joseph 
Ingalls and Sarah Abbott of Pomfret, Conn., and was born 
November 22, 1760. He graduated at Dartmouth college 
in 1792, was settled in West Stafford in December, 1796, 
and dismissed in March, 1803. He died in W^est Stafford, 
September 25, 1830. He married Mary Horton, eldest 
child of Rev. Ezra Horton, May 28, 1795. She died at 
Granby, Mass., May 12, 1833. 

Ch. I. Catherine, b. June 12, 1796; m. Wm. Thompson, 
December i, 1815; d. September 25, 1830. 
2. Polly, b. June 11, 1800; m. Milo Knight, May 
17, 1824. 



Benjamin James came from Ashford to Union. He 
bought land of Wm. Williams, March 3, 1795. He married 
Cynthia Russell of Ashford, February 8, 1794. 

Ch. I. Diana, b. October 15, 1794; d. March 6, 1796. 

2. Benj. Reynolds, b. November 22, 1796; d. De- 

cember 14, 1 7 19. 

3. Jonathan, b. April 13, 1799; m. Permelia Moore, 

November 24, 1824. 

4. Hannah Diana, b. June 10, 1801; m. Ephraiin S. 

Carpenter, February 15, 1827. 



JAMES. 



377 



5. Rhoda, b. March 27, 1803; m. David Fuller, 

December 25, 1823. 

6. Rebecca, b. March 17, 1805; m. Joseph Walker. 

7. Betsey, b. March 30, 1807. 

8. Josiah Russell, b. September 12, 1809. 

9. Aaron Rathbone, b. Septeiiiber 26, 181 1; m. 

Jerusha Brown. 
10. Elisha Benjamin, b. January 28, 18 14. 

JosiAH Russell James, son of Benjamin, married, first, 
Almeda Campbell, daughter of Alexander; second, Lucre- 
tia Watson, October 12, 1845. 
Ch. I. Susan. 

2. Charlotte. 

3. Francis. 

4. Lindsley, who died May 20, 187 1, aged 28. 

Elisha B. Reynolds James, son of Benjamin (name 
Reynolds added after the death of his brother of that 
name), married Mary Ann Thomas of Willington, March 
28, 1841. He died at Rockville, Conn., March 24, 1876, and 
she died January 29, 1878. 

Ch. I. Herbert Llewellyn, b. January 13, 1842; m. 
Ann Frances Leavitt, October 10, 1865; had 
4 children. 

2. Sarah Maria, b. October 18, 1843; m. Lebbeus 

E. Leavitt, December 17, 1878. 

3. Albert Elisha, b. December 4, 185 1; d. August 

4, 1854. 

Herbert L. James, son of Elisha B. R. James, was born 
in Willington, January it,, 1842. His father moved to Col- 
chester in 1844, and to Rockville in 1854. He attended 
school at Bacon Academy in Colchester, and the High 
schools of Middletown and Rockville. In 1856 he entered 
the employ of the Florence mills at Rockville, and steadily 
rose from one position to another, being book-keeper, 
assistant superintendent, treasurer, and agent. The last 



378 GENEALOGIES. 

position he held from 187 1 till 1881, when the business was 
sold to another company, White, Corbin & Co., envelope 
manufacturers. He entered the employ of the Rock 
Manufacturing Co., April i, 1881, as secretary and treas- 
urer, which position he still holds. He is the general 
manager of the business of the corporation. Mr. James is 
one of the foremost business men of Rockville and is en- 
thusiastic in promoting the welfare of the city. He is a 
corporator and director of the Savings Bank of Rockville, 
director of the First National Bank, president of the Rock- 
ville Railroad Co., president of the Rockville Aqueduct 
Co., member of the executive committee of the National 
Association of Wool Manufacturers, etc , etc. He is a mem- 
ber of the Union Congregational church of Rockville, and 
its treasurer; also the treasurer of the Tolland County Con- 
ference of Congregational Churches, and vice-president of 
the Connecticut Temperance Union, and is interested in 
every good work. 

He married Ann Frances Leavitt, October 10, 1865. She 
died February 12, 1890. 

Ch. I. Howard Kellogg, b. July 20, 1867. Others died 
young. 



David Johnson lived south of the Willard Blodgett 
place. He used to make barrels, tunnels, etc. He married 
Huldah Walker, daughter of Simon. 

Ch. I. Dinah, m. Lyman Thompson, October 3, 1833, 
and had 2 children, David, and Flora, who m. 
Rev. Alpheus Winter. Dinah Thompson 
married, second, Daniel Freeman, October 
24, 1842. 
2. Huldah, b. September 28, 1820; m. David G. 
Whittemore of Sturbridge, November 25, 



JOHNSON-KEYES. 379 

Stephen Johnson came from Craftsbury, Vt., to South 
Brimfield and then to Union in 1803, when he bought the 
farm where Rev. Mr. Curtiss afterwards lived. He mar- 
ried Hannah Davidson of Wales, August 13, 1798. 

Ch. I. Aaron, m. Hunger; d. February 14, 1833; had 
2 children, Lura, m. Dwight Dimmock, and 
Freeman, d. February 15, 1828. 

2. Truman. 

3. Lyman, killed by the falling of a tree. 

4. Dexter, lived at Southbridge; was intemperate. 



John L. Kazan, son of John, was born November 10, 
1810. He lived on the old Laflin place where Prosper 
Smith afterwards did. He was twice married. He used 
to lead the singing at Union for several years. He after- 
wards went to New York. 



Nathan Kelly came from Bellingham to Union, where 
he was a merchant. He lived first opposite where Tim- 
othy Newell now does, then between the graveyards. He 
afterwards went to Providence, R. I. He married Olive 
Bates. 

Ch. I. Wing, b. May 13, 1807. 

2. Francis, b. February 5, 181 o. 



Solomon Keyes came to Union about 1784, and also his 
brother Edward. He settled in the south part of town. 
He married Elizabeth Bugbee. 

Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. July 18, 1781. 

Cyril, b. November 14, 1782. 

Edward Sumner, b. July 2, 1784. 

Solomon. 

Jeremiah. 

Isaiah. 

Persis. 



380 GENEALOGIES. 

8. Htildah. 

9. David. 

Cyril Keyes, son of Solomon, lived a few years in 
Union in the so-called Abbott house, where he was a mer- 
chant. He married Margaret, daughter of Major David 
Lawson, and had one child, Sarah Ann, born vSeptember 
26, 1816. He afterwards lived at North Ashford. 

THE KINNEY FAMILY. 

Nathan Kinney came to Union from Sutton, Mass. In 
the deed of John Rosebrooks of South Brimfield, dated 
October i, 1773, conve3'ing land to Nathan Kinney, he was 
said to be of Westboro, Mass. (T. R., Vol. 3, p. 139). This 
land was situated north of the Bliss Hatch place. He lived 
there first, then where his son Eleazar did. He married, 
first, Abigail Williams, who died March 28, 1778; second, 
Eunice; third, Anna Chaffee. 

Ch. I. Joel, b. August i, 1769. 

2. Eleazer, b. March 28, 177 1. 

3. Ruth, b. August 14, 1772; m. Thomas Law- 

son, Jr. 

4. Lucy, b. December 4, 1774; m. David Coye. 

5. John, b. May 30, 1776. 

6. Alpheus, b. July 29, 1781. 

7. Nathan, b. November 6, 1785; m. Roxa Thomp- 

son. 

8. David, b. March 28, 1789. 

Joel Kinney, son of Nathan, married Chloe Coye, May 
10, 1792. He died March 2, or 3, 1852. vShe died March 21, 
1834. He lived on the place where George Chandler now 
does, which he bought in 1796 of Nehemiah and Mary 
Child of Woodstock. 

Ch. I. Abigail, b. September 23, 1793; d. September 

27, 1793- 

2. Archibald, b. October 24, 1794. 

3. Daniel, b. March 11, 1798; d. March 12, 1798. 



THE KINNEY FAMILY. 381 

4. Elizabeth, b. March 16, 1800; d. in infancy. 

5. Elizabeth, b. September 26, 1801; m. Moses C. 

Sessions. 

6. Nathan, b. November 28, 1803. 

7. * Elisha, b. October 11, 1808. 

8. Danforth, b. November 30, 1809. 

9. Horace, b. March 22, 1814. 

Eleazar Kinney, son of Nathan, lived first on the Major 
David Lawson place, then on the place northwest of the 
Jesse Hall place, then opposite the house where Timothy 
Newell now lives. He married Mary Paul, daughter of 
Matthew. 

Ch. I. Abigail, b. March 18, 1792; d. April 5, 1792. 

2. Elijah. 

3. Elisha. 

4. Paul. 

Mary, wife of Eleazar Kinney, died February 9, 1848, 
aged 2>T^. He married again in his old age, May 21, 1849, 
Mrs. Phebe Moore, relict of Ichabod Moore. He died 
March 31, 1850, aged 79. 

John Kinney, son of Nathan, married Rhoda Cham- 
berlain, June 16, 181 1. 

Ch. I. Lovice, b. November 21, 181 2. 

Permelia, b. July 10, 1814; d. January 16, 1815. 
Truman, b. July i, 1815. 
Miram, b. February 23, 1818. 
John, b. August 30, 1819. 



Alpheus Kinney, son of Nathan, married Lucy Eaton, 
daughter of John. 

Ch. I. Warren, b. August 14, 1804. 



Orren Jefferson, b. February 12, 1806. 
Friend Scott, b. November 10, 1808. 
Mary Malacy, b. January 29, 181 1. 
David, b. January 5, 1813. 
Sanford, b. March 13, 1815. 



382 GENEALOGIES. 

Archibald Kinney, son of Joel, went to Portland, Conn., 
where he taught school very successfully for twenty-five 
years. His pupils became scattered from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, but they all testify to the good they received 
from him. Many prominent men among them have said 
that all that they are they owe to Mr. Kinney. Among his 
pupils were David Davis, who became a U. S. Senator from 
Illinois, and Edward Nichols, who became a Rear Admiral 
in the U. S. Navy. He is remembered with great respect 
and affection by the people of Portland. He was a man of 
great dignity, reserved in manner, never giving an opinion 
on an important subject until he had given it careful con- 
sideration, and then he was as firm as a rock in his belief. 
He represented the town of Portland in the Legislature one 
term, and was for a long time a member of the school 
board. In 1844 he moved to Suffield, Conn., where he con- 
tinued his educational work. He died March 10, 1867. 

He married Sarah Ranney, October 28, 182 1. She died 
January 27, 1890. 

Ch. I. Timothy W., b. July 22, 1822; died December 
28, 1885. 

2. Sarah Olive, b. August 13, 1826. 

3. Elizabeth Coy, b. June 16, 1828; d. May 20, 1838. 

Nathan Kinney, son of Joel, lived at first where his 
father did (where Geo. Chandler now does), then built the 
house by the mills where he afterwards resided. He mar- 
ried Lucy Wales, daughter of Gideon. He died by drown- 
ing January 5, 1852, aged 48. His widow died December 
22, 1863. 

Ch. I. Ann Eliza, b. April i, 1851; m. Robert Bruce 
Paul, March 16, 1852. 

2. M3^ron, b. Februar)^ 24, 1833. 

3. Maria Jane, b. February 12, 1835; m. Edward 

C. Chamberlain, May 24, 1859. 

4. Milton Horace, b. July 9, 1837. 

5. Albert H., b. August 15, 1839; m. Abby Olney, 

January 14, 1864. 



THE KINNEY FAMILY. 383 

6. Esther H., b. May 6, 1842; m. Ripley Chamber- 
lain, March 14, 1861. 

Ei.isHA Kinney, son o£ Joel, lived at Holland and kept 
the hotel there. He married Mary Ann Marcy, August 25, 
1833 (or 1832). He died August 23, 1888, aged 83. She 
died February 5, 1881, aged 68. 

Ch. I. Mary A. E., b. November 10, 1834; m. Francis 
Wight and had two children, George H., b. 
September 9, 1855; d. September 13, 1855, 
and Everett E. K., b. July, 1858; d. March 7, 
i860. 
2. Francis E., b. February 14, 1841. 

Danforth Kinney, son of Joel, lived in Thompson. He 
was a carpenter. He married Jane W. Holmes of Wood- 
stock, March 21, 1833. She died January 27, 1891. He died 
August 27, 1880. 

Ch. I. Charles H., b. May 5, 1834; m. Maria Burton; 
went to Illinois. 

2. Elmira L., b. October 28, 1835; m. Artemus 

Corbin; live in Putnam. 

3. Harriet F., b. December 16, 1837 ; m. J. N. Kings- 

bury of Webster. Three children. 

4. Sarah E., b. October 6, 1839; m. Augustine Bar- 

rett of Woodstock, September 19, 1861. 
Seven children. 

5. Ellen M., b. October 31, 1841; m. John Williams, 

April I, 1862. They live in Providence. 

Horace Kinney, son of Joel, lived in Stafford. He mar- 
ried Melicent B. Marcy, March 24, 1839. 

Ch. I. Miner C, b. June 11, 1841; m. Ann Hamilton, 
January 17, 1871; d. February i, 1881. 

2. Horace M., b. May 16, 1845; d. December 11, 

1848. 

3. Omer B., b. April 24, 1850; d. January 11, 1855. 

4. Melicent E., b. May 11, 1859; d. July 15, 1861. 



384 GENEALOGIES. 

Elijah Kinney, son of Eleazar, married Mary (Polly) 
Horton, daughter of Dea. Ezra, ]\Iay 31, 1821. They went 
to Wisconsin. She died at Ft. Atkinson, Wis., March 7, 
1840. 

Ch. I. Elisha Edwin, b. September 25, 1822; d. March 
27, 1828. 

2. Mary Olive, b. December 12, 1823; d. June 6, 

1859. 

3. Harrison, b. July 7, 1825. 

4. Eli Edwin, b. July 20, 1827. 

5. Decatur, b. October 30, 1830; d. September 18, 

1832. 

6. Fidelia, b. January 25,1834; m. Joseph A. Shep- 

ard, a lawyer, at San Diego, Cal., and clerk 
of A. E. Horton. 

Paul Kinney, son of Eleazar, married Mary Barrett of 
Woodstock. 

Ch. I. William P. 

2. Mary, m. Marcus Town of Thompson. 

3. Henry. 

4. Emily, b. February 13, 1833; m. Otis Barret of 

Woodstock, August 16, 1848; d. December 20, 
1874; had 10 children. 

5. Libeus A. 

6. Joseph, d. June 17, 1844; was the first person 

buried in the north cemetery in Union. 

Myron Kinney, son of Nathan, lived in Union till 1878, 
and was engaged in an extensive lumber and box-manu- 
facturing business. In that year he moved to Putnam, 
Conn., where he now has a lumber yard. He was one of 
the best citizens of Union and a staunch upholder of every- 
thing good. He was elected deacon of the Congregational 
church at Union in 1863, and is now a deacon in the Con- 
gregational church at Putnam, where he is held in high 
respect by all who know him. 



THE KINNEY FAMILY. 385 

He married Mary Jane Corbin, daughter of Dea. Penuel 
Corbin of West Woodstock, January 5, 1864. 

Ch. I. Mary L., b. March 3, 1865; d. March 6, 1865. 

2. Emma Jane, b. March 21, 1866. graduated at the 

Putnam High School in 1886, and at the Con- 
necticut State Normal School at New Britain 
in 1890. She is now engaged in teaching. 

3. Ellen Lucy, b. March 29, i868, graduated at the 

Putnam High School in 1886, and at the 
State Normal School in 1890. She is also 
engaged in teaching. 

4. Etta Louise, b. April 7, 1870, graduated at Put- 

nam High School in 1889. 

5. Elbert Corbin, b. July 24, 1873. 

Maria J. Kinney, daughter of Nathan, married Edward 
C. Chamberlain of Woodstock, May 24, 1859. 

Ch. I. Edward L., b. April 20, i860; m. May E. Stone 
of Woodstock, June- 5, 1890. 

2. George B., b. January 23, 1862; d. November 13, 

1865. 

3. Moses G., b. April 14, 1864; d. November 18, 

1865. 

4. Myron Kinney, b. May 19, 1866. 

5. George E., b. February 17, 1872. 

6. Carl B., b. January 19, 1875. 

Milton H. Kinney, son of Nathan, with his brother 
Myron, was engaged in the lumber business at the mills 
for a number of years. In 1867 he moved to Mashapaug 
and became a member of the firm of Corbin, Tourtellotte& 
Co., and later Corbin & Kinney, in the business of manu- 
facturing boots and shoes and dealing in general mer- 
chandise. Mr. Kinney has held many town offices, and 
was deputy sheriff a number of years and represented the 
town in Legislature in 187 1. In 1890 he removed to Stafford 
Springs. He is a man of strict integrity, good business 
ability, and is very highly esteemed by all who know him. 
25 



386 



GENEALOGIES. 



The town loses much when such men as he and his brother 
move away. 

He married Martha Moore, daughter of Charles Wesley 
Moore of Ellington. 

Ch. I. Charles Milton, b. October 3, 187 1; d. August 
16, 1873. 

2. Carlos Moore, b. July 3, 1874; d. August 25, 1874. 

3. Mattie Josephine, b. December 26, 1876. 

They adopted Nettie Elizabeth Hall, daughter of Phi- 
lander Hall of Vernon. vShe was born November 13, 1867, 
and married Corey Weld, son of Albert Weld, October, 
1887. 

Albert Kinney, son of Nathan, married Abbie Olney, 
January 14, 1859. 

Ch. I. Arthur D., b. December 12, 1865; d. June 4, 
1889. 

2. Mary E., b. November 28, 1869. 

3. Winnifred M., b. April 12, 1876. 



Esther Kinney, daughter of Nathan, married Ripley 
Chamberlain of Woodstock, March 14, 1861. 

Ch. I. Esther Anna, b. April i, 1863; m. Frank A. 
Shepard of Southbridge, October 27, 1880. 

2. John Chandler, b. May 12, 1865; d. October 5, 

1865. 

3. Willie Ripley, b. April 29, 1867; d. May i, 1867. 

4. Everett Milton, b. December 8, 1868; d. Novem- 

ber 15, 1874. 

5. Albert Wales, b. September 5, 1872. 

6. Charles Bertie, b. October 26, 1876; d. Novem- 

ber 25, 1880. 

7. Lizzie Jane, b. November 6, 1880. 

8. Milton Kinney, b. December 7, 1887. 



Francis E. Kinney, son of Elisha of Holland, married 
Olivia Parker, daughter of Sumner Parker of Brimfield, 
December 29, 1869. He died by drowning, March 10, 1890. 



THE KINNEY FAMILY-LANQDON. 387 

Ch. I. Mabel Parker, b. January 22, 1871; d. January 
29, 1871. 
Oscar Francis, b. October 7, 1872. 
Walter Earl, b. September 10, 1874. 

4. Grace Melicent, b. December 9, 1876. 

5. Sumner'Parker, b. July 13, 1880. 

6. Frank Milton, b. October 28, 1882. 

Charles H. Kinney, son of Danforth, married Marie B. 
Burton, April 17, 1856. She was born April 6, 1834. 

Ch. I. Clarence Henry, b. April 17, 1856; m. Nancy M. 
Emerson, August 17, 1885. They have three 
children. 

Wm. p. Kinney, son of Paul, married Eunice A. Bowen. 
Ch. I. Charles E., b. April 9, 1870. 
2. George, b. vSeptember 2, 1885. 

Henry Kinney, son of Paul, married Lucy M. Chase of 
Whitefield, Me., July 18, 1878. 

LiBEUs A. Kinney, son of Paul, married Harriet Med- 
bury of Putnam. 
Ch. I. Ella. 

2. Lewellyn. 

3. Ora. 



Lieut. Paul Langdon, the seventh child and fifth son 
of Philip Langdon, of Boston, a mariner, was one of the 
early settlers in Union. He bought land of Joseph Rey- 
nolds, of Bristol, R. L, in 1736. The lot was No. 9, of the 
home lots. 

He was a man of great energy of character, a carpenter, 
millwright, and farmer. He was town clerk during the 
years 1736, 1739, and 1740. He was secretary of the pro- 
prietors of Union lands, and was appointed chorister by 
vote of the town. He moved from Union to Wilbraham, 
to which place he brought the first four-wheeled wagon, 



388 GENEALOGIES. 

the same in which he had moved his family and worldly 
goods from Salem to Hopkinton, and to Union. 

His wife's name was Mary Stacy, whom he married 
August i8, 1 718. He had seven children, the oldest of 
whom, Mary (b. 17 19), married Henry Badger, of Union. 
Only the two youngest were born in Union, Elizabeth and 
Anna. They both died in 1840. A son, Paul, was a cap- 
tain in the Revolutionary army. A nephew of Lieut. Paul 
Langdon, Rev. Samuel Langdon, D.D., was president of 
Harvard College. 



John Laflin came from St owe, Mass., to Union, where 
he bought land in 1740, the place where Prosper Smith 
lived. He married Susannah Colbraith. 

Ch. I. James, b. April 8, 1747; m. Rebecca Ward, Jan- 
uary 31, 1782. 

2. Mary, b. February 13, 1749; rn. first, Edmund 

Merriam, November 27, 1788; second, Samuel 
Webber. 

3. John, b. May 5, 1752; m. Elizabeth Kent, of 

West vSuffield, October 31, 1774; d. a vaga- 
bond. 

4. Abraham, b. January 26, 1754; m. Elizabeth 

Paul, December 16, 1780. 

5. Susanna, b. July 24, 1755; m. Samuel Barthole- 

mew. 

6. Samuel, b. April 7, 1757; m. Martha Carpenter, 

January 10, 1782. 

7. Hannah, b. November 10, 1758; m. Benjamin 

Walker, April 10, 1777. 

8. Nancy, b. xA^pril 5, 1760; d. March 27, 1783. 

9. Lucy, b. February 2, 1762; m. Jacob Burley. 
John Laflin and his four sons all served in the Revolu- 
tionary army. 

LARNED FAMILY. 

Capt. Abijah Earned, came from Thompson, Conn., 
and bought land of Ebenezer Wales, afterwards his father- 



THE LAWSON FAMILY. 



389 



in-law, March 24, 1753. He lived on what is sometimes 
called the Hatch place. 

He was a prominent citizen, being selectman for a num- 
ber of years. He moved to Northumberland, now Colum- 
bia, N. H., where he died. He married Anne Wales, daugh- 
ter of Dea. Ebenezer Wales, December 31, 1753. 

Ch. I. David, b. July 28, 1754. 

2. Abel, b. March 23, 1756. 

3. Eunice, b. vSeptember 20, 1757; d. August 21, 

1758. 

4. Abijah, b. February 2, 1760. 

5. James, b. November 18, 1761. 

6. Silvanus, b. May 26, 1763. 

7. Irene, b. February 25, 1765. 

8. Royal, b. February 28, 1767. 

9. Anna, b. April 2, 1769; d. September 4, 1770. 

10. Anna, baptized October 27, 177 1. 

11. Ebenezer, baptized October 6, 1776. 



THE LAWSON FAMILY. 

John Lawson, the third settler of Union, was born in 
Lithlingow, Scotland, in the year 1678. His wife, Janet 
Young, was born in the same place in 1694. 

They came to this country about 1724, with three young 
children. They were intending to settle in Pennsylvania, 
but were shipwrecked off the coast of Nova Scotia, and lost 
all their effects. They found their way to Worcester, Mass., 
where they lived a short time. Here their son Thomas, who 
afterwards became prominent in town, was born in the 
year 1727. They came to Union in 1728, when the infant 
Thomas was six months old. John Lawson bought of 
William McNall one hundred acres of land, for which he 
gave a two-year old colt. This tract, on which he lived the 
remainder of his life, is situated in the south part of town, 
where his grandson, Major David Lawson, afterwards 
resided. John Lawson died November 14, 1774, aged 96 
years. Janet Young, his wife, died October 29, 1781. Their 
daughter Phebe, was the first white child born in Union. 



390 GENEALOGIES. 

The children of John and Janet Young Lawson were: 
Ch. I. Rebecca, b. August 14, 1719; m. Robert Maklem; 
went to Pelham, Mass. 

2. Issabel, b. April 4, 1721; m. William Nelson of 

Brimfield. 

3. John, b. June 30, 1724. 

4. Thomas, b. November 2, 1727. 

5. Phebe, b. June 30, 1731; she is said to have 

taught school until she was 50 years of age, 
and then married Joseph Mann, of Hebron. 

6. Mary, b. November 4, 1733; m. Matthew Paul, 

November 13, 1755. 

7. Martha, b. December 12, 1735; m. David Brat- 

ten, of Palmer. 

8. Samuel, b. August 16, 1740; d. September 9, 

1747- 

John Lawson, Jr., married Mary Brown, September 12, 
1 75 1. He lived in the south part of town near the Major 
David Lawson place. 

Ch. I. John, b. November 12, 1752; m. Keziah AVhit- 
ney, June 5, 1781. 

2. Samuel, b. July 2, 1756. 

3. Thomas, b. January 7, 1758. 

4. Ebenezer, b. January 26, 1760. 

5. Joseph, b. May 9, 1764. 

6. Rhoda, b. November 10, 1766. 

7. Sarah, b. February 24, 1769. 

8. Matthew, b. February 24, 1771; m. Rebecca 

Ross, February 19, 1795. 

9. James, b. May 28, 1775. 

• Thomas Lawson, son of John Lawson, Sr., afterwards 
became captain of the militia in Union, and led a company 
to Cambridge after the Lexington Alarm; to the capture 
of Burgoyne; to the defense of New London, and other 
places. He became a large land-holder, owning the best 
timber land in the town. He was selectman for a number 



THE LAWSON FAMILY. 



391 



of years, and held other town offices. He married Esther 
Paul, daughter of Robert Paul, December 31, 1754. 

Thomas Lawson died January 5, 1825; Esther Paul, his 
wife died January 22, 1804. 

Ch. I. Hannah, b. June 22, 1756; d. June 22, 1756. 

2. Margaret, b. May 19, 1757; d. April 18, 1758. 

3. Robert, b. January 11, 1759. 

4. Mehitable,b. March 17, 176 1 ; m. Stephen Bugbee. 

5. David, b. February 17, 1763. 

6. Martha, b. March 19, 1765; m. John Moore, March 

29, 1787. 

7. Esther, b. February 7, 1767; m. Alpheus Twist, 

February 3, 1795. 

8. Thomas, b. March 22, 1769. 

Ebenezer Lawson, son of John, Jr., married Elizabeth. 
He was a blacksmith and lived in humble circumstances. 
Ch. I. Jane Brown, b. September 28, 1795. 

2. Sessions; went to Bolton, Conn., where he 

became prominent. 

3. Roxana, m. Rev. Stephen Hiscock. 

4. Nicholas. 

6. Casper Lavater, m. Abigail Bolles, daughter of 
Lemuel, September 25, 1831. They had two 
children, Nancy Elizabeth, born November 
19, 1832, and Casper Munroe, born December 
8, 1835- 

Robert Lawson, son of Capt. Thomas Lawson, was a 
very prominent citizen. He was for a long time town clerk 
and principal land surveyor. In this way he became fam- 
iliar with the history of all the families and homesteads in 
Union and to some extent in the surrounding towns. He 
was a soldier of the Revolution. He married, January 30, 
1783, AnnaHorton, daughter of Rev. Ezra Horton. Robert 
Lawson died April 19, 1835. Anna Horton Lawson died 
December 14, 1841. 

Ch. I. Margaret, b. December 3, 1783; m. Nathan How- 



392 GENEALOGIES. 

ard; removed to Pennsylvania; d. May 22, 
1847. 

2. Susannah, b. June 3, 1786; d. February 8, 1857. 

3. Paul, b. March 31, 1789. 

4. Phebe, b. February 12, 1792; m. Lyman Moore; 

removed to New York; d. April 3, 1868. 

5. Ira, b. July 4, 1796. 

6. David, b. July 8, 1800. 

7. Esther, b. March 14, 1803; m. John Moore. 

8. Mary, b. March 14, 1803; m. Roswell Blodgett. 

Major David Lawson, son of Thomas, was also a soldier 
in the Revolution. Captain Lawson was so zealous in his 
patriotism that he caused his son David to enlist as soon 
as he was of proper age, thinking that the war might con- 
tinue many years, although it was really near its close. 
Major Lawson was one of the guards of Major Andre while 
a prisoner. 

Sidney Stanley, Esq., of Hartford, long a clerk in the 
office of the Secretary of State and as familiar as any one 
with the Revolutionary archives, says that when Major 
Lawson was Representative in 1833 and 1834, no soldier 
of the Revolution had served in this office for several years, 
and he was the last Revolutionary soldier in the Legisla- 
ture, and probably the last who served the state in any 
office whatsoever. He lived in the south part of town on 
the farm which still goes by his name. When he owned it, 
it was said to be one of the best farms in town. 

He married Sarah Moore, daughter of John, August i, 
1786. He died January 19, 1836. His wife, Sarah, died July 
31, 1858, aged 92. 

Ch. I. Amv, b. January 27, 1787; m. Nathaniel New- 
ell, Jr. 

2. Margaret, b. October 19, 1790; m. C3^ril Keyes. 

3. Caleb, b. March 11, 1792; d. June 29, 1792. 

4. Sarah Ann, b. December 6, 1806; d. March 13^ 

1810. 



THE LAW>^ON FAMILY. 



393 



Thomas Lawson, son of Capt. Thomas, lived east of Bige- 
low pond, where William Thayer recently did. He married 
Ruth Kinney, daughter of Nathan, January i, 1795. 

He died December 20, 1819, aged 50. His widow, Ruth, 
married Jonathan Blanchard, of Monson, Mass., October 6, 
1828. 

Ch. I. Esther, b. May 6, 1799; m. Nehemiah Houghton. 

Dea. Paul Lawson, son of Robert, like his father, was 
a land surveyor. He served at New London in the war of 
1812. He became deacon of the Congregational church in 
1835. He married Lydia Holman, daughter of Thomas, 
December 9, 1824. Several years after their marriage he 
bought of Rufus Holman the place where he afterwards 
lived. He was a man of high Christian character, a pillar 
in the church at Union, and always ready to visit and 
assist the sick or afflicted. During the last part of his life 
he was almost totally blind. He died September 27, 187 1. 
Lydia, his wife died June 29, 1889. 

Ch. I. Lovisa, b. December 9, 1826; m. Charles A. 

Corbin, January 17, 1849; lives at Wilbra- 

ham. 

2. Paul Clinton, b. September 2, 1828. 

3. Esther Calista, b. January 16, 1830; d. at 

Union, July 14, 1878. 

4. Edwin Newton, b. January 26, 1832. 

5. Justus Vinton, b. April 4, 1834; he was a youth 

of promise and was preparing for the min- 
istry at Madison University, Hamilton, N.Y., 
when he was taken sick with typhoid fever, 
came home and died, August 13, 1854. 

6. Minerva, b. March 18, 1837; m. Robert Smilie, 

October 24, 1866. They now live in Spring- 
field, 111. They had two children who died. 

7. Lydia Ann, b. November 15, 1839; d. March 26, 

1840. 

8. Susan, b. July 10, 1843; d. October i, 185S. 

9. George Milton, b. August 22, 1847. 



394 



GENEALOGIES. 



Ira Lawson, son of Robert, married, first, Amy H. 
Remington, daughter of Peleg of Cronston, R. I. She died 
June 29, 1836. He married, second, Ann Bartlett of East- 
ford, January 15, 1837. He died November 25, 1865. His 
wife, Ann, died February 23, i860. 

Ch. I. Thomas, b. August 6, 1822; d. at Cincinnati, O., 
January 11, 1843. 

2. Julia Ann, b. June 3, 1824; m. Origin Prescott; 

lived at Litchfield, Minn.; d. about 1883. 

3. Robert, b. May 8, 1827; went to sea for several 

years; m. Eleanor Ann Harris, February 3, 
1849. They live in New Bedford, Mass., and 
have one son, Robert Clinton, who married 
Emma Crawford, daughter of Ossian. 

4. Caroline, b. May 29, 1828; d. August 6, 1831. 

5. Adeline, b. March 31, 1830; m. Walter Alexan- 

der, January 10, 1849; d. at Nashville, Tenn., 
June, 1854. 

6. Emeline, b. March 28, 1832; m. Horace Randall 

of Woodstock. The}^ went west and lived 
at Monticello, Minn., and at Millbank, South 
Dakota. In 1892 they returned to South 
Woodstock. They had two sons, Adfor and 
Olin, who died in 1881. 

7. Ira Remington, b. April 25, 1834; lives with 

the Shakers at West Pittsfield, Mass. He is 
their trustee, having the management of 
their financial interests, and is highly re- 
spected and esteemed by them. 

8. Daniel Webster, b. January 12, 1838; m. first, 

Eliza Clark; lives at Auburn, N. Y.; has 
been married a second time and has several 
children. He is a most excellent man and 
is highly respected. 

9. Amy Heflin, b. September 25, 1839; m., first, 

Amasa Trowbridge of Eastford. He per- 
ished in a burning building at Seymour, 
Conn. vShe married, second, Erastus Horton, 



THE LAWSON FAMILY. 395 

who died at New Haven in May, 1890. 
She has one son, Alfred T. Horton, with 
whom she now resides at Millbank, vSouth 
Dakota. 

10. John Fields, b. May 24, 1841; lives at Anburn, 

N. Y., and has a family. 

11. Thomas Ansel, b. July 3, 1844; he was a prom- 

ising youth, but died in the army at New- 
bern, N. C, April 13, 1862. 

12. Caroline, b. May 27, 1847; m. Henry Haskell 

Hall in 1880; went to Iowa; died in 1888, 
leaving two sons. 

David Lawson of Union, son of Robert, was a well- 
known citizen of the town for many years. He always 
lived on the old place where his ancestors had lived before 
him. He was a man of strict religious and moral princi- 
ples, although on account of a strong dissatisfaction with 
the location of the new church, he was not accustomed to 
attend worship. He held many offices in town during his 
long life here. During the latter part of his life he was 
almost universally called "Uncle David." He married 
Polly Corbin, daughter of David Corbin, November 17, 
1844. He died February 7, 1881. 

Paul Clinton Lawson, son of Paul, married Almira E. 
vShepard, daughter of Samuel of Sturbridge, February 12, 
1 85 1. They lived first at Brimfield, then at Woodstock till 
about 1875, when they moved to Southbridge, where they 
have since resided. 

Ch. I. Maria Eva, b. January 14, 1852; m. John Craw- 
ley. 

2. Frank Edward, b. March 26, 1853. 

3. Adelaide Grace, b. April 29, 1855; m. Augustus 

Bagley, who died in 1889. 

4. Frederick Samuel, b. April 19, 1857; m. Lulu 

Smith; lives in Southbridge. 

5. Roger Clinton, b. June 30, 1863. 

6. Jennie Martha, b. July 4, 1866. 



396 GENEALOGIES. 

7. Almira Fannie, b. April 7, 1869; m. Harry Old- 
ham of Southbridge, August, 1892. They 
reside in Minneapolis, Minn. 

Dea. Edwin Newton Lawson, son of Paul, has always 
lived on the home place, the fourth generation (in the 
Holman line) of those who have lived there. He was 
elected deacon of the church at Union, vSeptember 4, 1863. 
He has been superintendent of the Sunday school for more 
than twenty years, and is one of the principal sustainers 
of the church. He married Sarah E. Corbin, daughter of 
Dea. Penuel of Woodstock, February 25, 1861. She died 
December 31, 1885. He owns one of the best farms in 
town and has demonstrated that farming even in Union 
will pay if rightly managed. 

Ch. I. George Newton, b. July 2, 1865, graduated from 
the Hitchcock Free High School, Brimfield, 
Mass., in 1885; from Yale College in 1890, 
and from the Yale Medical School in 1892. 
He is now practicing medicine in Middle 
Haddam, Conn. 

2. Harvey Merrill, b. January 31, 1868; graduated 

from the Hitchcock Free High School at 
Brimfield in 1886, from the Sheffield Scien- 
tific School of Yale University in 1890, and 
from the Yale Divinity School in 1893; ap- 
pointed a missionary of the A. B. C. F. ]\I. 
to India, February 21, 1893; ordained at New 
Haven, May 18, 1893; married Dedie S. Bald- 
win, of New Haven, May 23, 1893. 

3. Mary Eva, b. December 19, 187 1. 

4. Susie Minerva, b. April 4, 1874; graduated 

from the Hitchcock Free High School in 
1892. 

George M. Lawson, son of Paul, lives in Springfield, 111. 
He married Mattie Anderson, November, 187 1. 
Ch. I. Edith Minnie, b. September 8, 1872. 
2. Laura Grace, b. January 30, 1876. 



^ 




KEV. HARVEY M. LAWSON. 



LELAND, THE LEONARD FAMILY. 397 

3. Charles Edwin, b. March 14, 1878. 

4. Clara Marion, b. April 13, 1883. 

5. Paul Thomas, b. October 30, 1887. 



JosiAH Leland came from Palmer to Union about 1845, 
and lived at Mashapaug where Mr. Winch now does. He 
was engaged in the manufacture of axe-handles, having a 
patent machine for the process, which he obtained from a 
Mr. Blanchard of Palmer. The business was profitable, 
and starting with nothing, Mr. Leland acquired a consid- 
erable fortune. His factory was located near where Mr. 
Winch's shop now stands. It was twice burned. When 
running in full blast it gave employment to as many as 
thirty men. 

Josiah Leland married, first, Sophia, who died Decem- 
ber 28, 1824; second, Almira, who died January 21, 1841, 
aged 39; third, Miranda Neff. He died July 27, 1855. 
Ch. I, Emilus, lived in Hartford. 
By second wife — 

2. George A., liyed in New York city. 

3. Henry J. 

4. Dexter G., d. November 21, 1835, aged 2 years. 

5. Dexter C, was a lieutenant in the 6ist Regi- 

ment of New York Volunteers. He was 
taken sick, came home and died, November 
29, 1862, aged 25. 
By third wife — 

6. John Sherman, died about 1879. 

THE LEONARD FAMILY. 

Daniel Leonard, Sr., the son of Jacob, was born at 
Taunton, Mass., March 28, 1773. He married Mehitable 
Hicks, born in Rehobeth, Mass., February 11, 1771. They 
lived first at Woodstock, afterwards at Stafford, near the 
Street. From the latter place he moved to Union, about 
1814, where he settled in the southeast part of town, on the 
Olney place. Here he built a blacksmith's shop and worked 



398 GENE A LOGIES. 

at that trade in connection with agricultural employments. 
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard struggled nobly to bring up their 
large family of children and give them as many advantages 
as possible. Daniel Leonard died March 28, 1842, aged 69. 
His wife died Februar}^ 9, 1853, aged 83. They are buried 
in the East cemetery. 
Their children were: 
Ch. I. Halsey, b. at Woodstock, in 1795. 

2. George, b. at Woodstock, April 9, 1798. 

3. Daniel, b. at Woodstock, October 6, 1800. 

4. Rhoda, b. at Woodstock, September 9, 1803; m. 

Stephen Paine, and had 3 children, Milton, 
Olive and John. vShe died in 187 1. 

5. Lucinda, b. at Stafford, June 12, 1806; m. Adams 

Stewart, of AVales, Mass., and had 6 children. 

6. Moses Gage, b. at Stafford, July 10, 1809. (See 

biographical sketch). 

7. Darius, b. at Stafford, December 24, 181 1; m. 

Isabel Spencer, by whom he had 3 children. 
He married twice afterwards. He was a 
respected farmer at Lebanon, Conn. He d. 
in 1889. 

8. Mary, b. at Union, May 14, 1816; m. Silas P. 

Allen. 

Halsey Leonard, son of Daniel, lived in the western 
part of Woodstock. He was many years deacon of the Bap- 
tist church at West Woodstock. He died in Michigan, aged 
92. He married Lavinia Corbin, daughter of Joseph, of 
Woodstock, August 17, 1823. 

Ch. I. Lavinia, m. William Preston, of Eastford. She 
now (1892) lives in Michigan, and has had 6 
children. 
2. One child died in infancy. 

George Leonard lived where his father did, east of Dea. 
Burley's, where he built a new house and three barns, two 
having been struck by lightning and burned on the same 
spot. He was a very unfortunate man, losing seven bright 



THE LEONARD FAMILY. 399 

children. He moved to Woodstock Valley, in 1873, and 
died December 15, 1882. He was a very well read man, 
having a large library. He married first, Deborah Stewart 
(b. December 20, 1796), who died February 6, 1836; second, 
Nancy Dewing. 

Ch. I. Halsey, b. 1823; d. September 22, 1847; studied 
medicine in New York. 

2. Olive, m. Charles Dean. 

3. Isaac Newton, b. 1824; d. September 23, 1848. 

4. Jane, m. ist. Rev. Percival Mathewson; 2nd 

Julius Lyon. 

5. Joseph, b. June 19, 1832; d. August 29, 1837. 
By second wife: 

6. George Chapin. 

7. Thomas Jefferson. 

8. Zenas, b. April, 1846; d. October 4, 1848. 

9. Susana, b. January, 1850; d. November 28, 1863. 

10. Newton G., b. December, 1852; d. November 6, 

1863. 

11. Jessie E., b. 1858; d. December 17, 1863. 

Daniel Leonard, Jr., married Isabel M. Place. She was 
born March 25, 1803, and died September 7, 1859. 

Ch. I. Mary Alcena, b. March 25, 1827; d. July 22, 
1829. 

2. Thomas Place, b. August 22, 1828. 

3. Moses G., b. September 15, 1830. 

4. William, b. November 11, 1832; m. Calista Has- 

kell. 

5. Rhoda J., b. October 7, 1835; d. October 31, 1867. 

Thomas Place Leonard, son of Daniel, was engaged in 
the mercantile and shoe manufacturing business with his 
brothers at Woodstock, Conn., for sixteen years. He then 
moved to Putnam, Conn., where he was in the mercantile 
business with his brother William till 1889, when he 
retired from business on account of poor health. Mr. 
Leonard occupies a high position of honesty and integrity 



400 0ENEAL0GIE8. 

in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He married Elvira 
Horton, daughter of Ezra, of Union, January 29, 1851. 
Ch. T. Ida Elvira, b. April 29, 1853. 

2. Eugene Thomas, b. March 26, 1857. 

3. Lucy Maria, b. February 2, 1861. 

Moses G. Leonard, son of Daniel, Jr., lived in Union till 
he was eleven years old, when he moved to Ashford (now 
Eastford) with his parents. In 1853 he moved to Wood- 
stock Valley, where he went into the general store busi- 
ness with his brother, Thomas P. Leonard. In 1854 their 
younger brother, William, joined the partnership, and the 
firm style became T. P. Leonard & Co. They enlarged 
their business by starting the manufacture of shoes, which 
they carried on successfully for sixteen years. They sold 
out their business, and Moses G. removed to Putnam, 
Conn., in 1869, where he went into the dry goods business 
with Mr. J. W. Manning, under the firm name of Manning 
& Leonard. They have continued successfully in this 
business under the same firm name for twenty-four years. 
Mr. Leonard is a man thoroughly respected and highly 
esteemed in the community where he lives. He married^ 
ist, Harriet C. Allen, of Eastford, June 6, 1852. She died 
in September, 1855. He married, 2nd, Mary E. Childs, of 
Woodstock, in October, 1858. She died in August, 1880. He 
married, 3rd, Jennie A. Tillinghast, of Providence, R. I., 
September 23, 1885. 

Ch. I. Fannie C, b. February 3, 1861. 
2. Frank C, b. July 22, 1874. 

William Leonard, son of Daniel, Jr., was in business at 
Woodstock Valley (as stated above) until 1870, when he 
went to Putnam, and with his brother Thomas, conducted 
a store which dealt in boots and shoes, gents' furnishing 
goods, etc. In this they were quite successful, but on 
account of poor health they were obliged to sell out in 
1887. They have now bought thirty acres of pasture land 
in Putnam, which they are cultivating, and find it very 



THE LILLIE FAMILIES. 



401 



beneficial to their health. All three of these brothers are 
highly esteemed citizens of Putnam. 

William Leonard married Calista Haskell (born March 
12, 1840), December 14, 1858. 

Ch. I. Emma L., b. October 12, 1852. 

2. Mary A., b. April 17, 1865. 

3. William D., b. February 29, 1872. 

4. Florence M., b. July 27, 1875. • 

THE LILLIE FAMILIES. 

John Lillie came to Union from Dudley, Mass., and 
bought in 1771, of Francis Pierce, the lots' No. 18 and No. 
19 in the third division, east of Bigelow river. He was a 
very respectable man. He had three sons, John, Joseph, 
and Ebenezer, who became a physician in Woodstock. , 

John Lillie, Jr., had the following children : 
Ch. T. Benjamin. 

2. Jonathan. 

3. Simeon, m. Rhoda Corbin. 

4. John. 

5. Elizabeth, m. Parley Herring of Killingly, 

Conn. 

6. Abiathar. 

7. Ebenezer. 

Joseph Lillie, son of John, Sr., married, first, Deborah; 
second, Prudy Kinney. 

Ch. I. Ezra, b. August 13, 1780. 
2. Hannah, m. Levi Coye. 

Jonathan Lillie, son of John, Jr., had 3 children, Den- 
nis, Jonathan and Benoni. Jonathan, Jr., married Betty 
Mclntire, and had 3 children. 

Ch. I. Phebe, m. Benj. Stone, April 17, 1842. 

2. Relief, m. Nathan Walker, October 6, 1841. 

3. Rhoda, m. Orrin Burne.tt, March 26, 1834. 
26 



402 QENEALOOIES. 

John Lillie, 3D, married Rachel. 
Ch. I. Eleazar, b. in New Jersey, September 23, 1774. 

2. Wm. Casterline, b. in New Jersey, November 

28, 1778. 

3. Rhoda, b. in Woodstock, March 22, 1780. 

4. Adonijah, b. in Woodstock, June 12, 1782. 

William Casterline Lillie, son of John, 3d, married 
Penelope Mclntire. 

Ch. I. Nancy, m. Benj. M. Wentworth of Dorchester, 
Mass. 

2. Polly, m. Elijah Severy, September 14, 1828. 

3. John. 

4. Olive, m. Mr. George. 

John Lillie, son of William Casterline, married Han- 
nah Corey, November 29, 1727. 
Ch. I. Isaac. 
John. 
Mary. 
Sarah. 
Lucinda. 
Alma. 
Elijah. 



Dr. Ebenezer Lindsey settled in L^^nion in 1830. He 
came from Prescott, Mass., where he had practiced for 
some years. 

He married Susan Foster, daughter of Silas, of Peter- 
sham. 

Ch. I. Maryanne, d. January 5, 1833. 
2. Silas Foster. 

Dr. Silas Foster Lindsev, son of Ebenezer, studied 
medicine at Yale and established himself as a physician in 
Dudley, Mass. He died in 1891. He married Salome 
Chapman. 



LETCHEB, THE LOOMIS FAMILY. 403 

Frank Letcher married Dilana Houghton, daughter of 
Nehemiah, September 3, 1863. He was in the army. He 
lived with his father-in-law until about 1871, when he went 
to Southbridge, where he now resides. 

Ch. I. Rosa Virginia, b. July 21, 1864. 

2. Elmer Francis, b. September 28, 1866; grad- 

uated at Yale in 1889. 

3. Anna Elsworth, b. May 18, 1874. 

4. Ethel Esther, b. December 17, 1875. 

THE LOOMIS FAMILIES IN UNION. 

There were two Loomis families in Union, that of 
Daniel who came from Windsor, and of Dea. Caleb Loomis 
who came from Lebanon, Crank parish, now Columbia. 
Daniel Loomis bought land in Union in 1741, and Caleb 
Loomis in 1754. The common ancestor of both families 
was doubtless Joseph of Windsor, who came from Bristol, 
Eng., before 1639. The line of Daniel is: Joseph, John, 
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. 

Daniel Loomis of Union was born in Windsor, Novena- 
ber 2, 17 10, and died in Union, January i, 1758. His 
brother Elisha owned land in Union, though probably 
never lived here. Daniel Loomis lived where Edward 
Foster afterwards did, and with his brother Elisha owned 
the Bush meadow saw-mill. He married Sarah Enos, 
daughter of James Enos, one of the original proprietors. 
Ch. I. Sarah, b. November 15, 1737; m. Timothy 
Wales, November 11, 1762. 

2. Daniel, b. July 25, 1739. 

3. Jonah, b. May 5, 1743; m. Mehitable Cram, 

November 29, 1764, and had one child, Sarah. 

4. Noah, b. January 13, 1745; m. Sibbel Williams, 

February 4, 1773. 

5. Elijah, b. August 7, 1747; m. Alathea Burley, 

January 27, 1774; moved to Georgia in 1786. 

6. Reuben, b. May 22, 1750; d. May 29, 1750. 



404 GENEALOGIES. 

Lieut. Daniel Loomis, son of Daniel, lived first north 
of Capt. Newell's, on the west side of the road, and after- 
wards at the so-called Kinney or Bugbee place where he 
built a new house. He married Sarah Crawford, daughter 
of Hugh, February 9, 1764. She died November 18, 1784, 
and he married a second time Sibella Knox, October 26, 

Ch. I. Charlotte, b. January 3, 1765; m. Capt. Penuel 
Child. 

2. Anna, b. January 19, 1767; m. Walter .Sessions, 

July 20, 1786. 

3. Daniel, b. June 13, 1769; d. October 4, 1775. 

4. Clara, b. January 19, 1772; m. Dr. Stephen 

Preston. 

5. Walter, b. December 17, 1774; m. Hannah .Ses- 

sions of Brim field. 

6. Sarah, b. May 8, 1777; m. Wm. Mahan. 

7. George Washington, b, August 17, 1779. 

8. Willard, b. March 30, 1782. 

9. Sillina, b. October 8, 1784; d. October 27, 1784. 

Dea. Caleb Loomis, bought the so-called Horton farm 
east of the meeting-house in 1754. He married Abigail 
Wright. 

Ch. I. Abner, b. April 21, 1729. 

2. Phebe, b. March 7, 1733; d. October 13, 1756. 

3. Caleb, b. June 19, 1735; i^- Mary Wyman, Jan- 

uary 7, 1758, and moved to Brookfield. 

Abner Loomis, son of Dea. Caleb, married Charity 
Sprague, July 12, 1754. 

Ch. I. Israel, b. October 29, 1756. 

2. Luther, b. July 25, 1758. 

3. Abner, b. June 3, 1759. 

4. Phebe, b. March 3, 1761; m. first, Ichabod 

Moore; second, Eleazar Kinney. 

5. Abigail, b. February 7, 1763. 

Abner Loomis lived north of the burying ground. He 
afterwards lived in Palmer. 



TEE LTON FAMILY. 



405 



THE LYON FAMILIES. 

Deacon Levi Lyon came to Union from Woodstock and 
bought land August 22, 1774. He was chosen deacon of the 
church at Union, March 15, 1782. He moved to Stafford 

from Union. He married Ruth . 

Ch. I. Abner Fitch, d. November 3, 1775. 

Charles, b. 1773; d. September 8, 1778. 

Joseph, b. August, 1778; d. September 8, 1778. 

4. Lucinda, baptized July 25, 1779. 

5. John, baptized May 7, 1780. 
Daniel, baptized December 20, 1781. 

Perley Lyon, son of Captain Daniel, came from Wood- 
stock and lived in Union one year, in 1803. He kept store 
at the Dr. Lindsey place. 

Perley Lyon came from Holland to Union not far from 
1830, and lived at the William Moore place. He peddled 
fish for a while. He married Phebe Preston, who died 
January, 1834. 

Ch. I. William; went to New York and engaged in 
the importing dry goods business; became 
wealthy. 

2. Susan. 

3. Maria. 

4. Warren; m. Marietta Chaffee. 

Stephen Lyon, son of Ebenezer, came from Holland, 
Mass., to LTnion with his sons, and lived with them on the 
Deacon Samuel Crawford place. He inarried Olive Stevens. 

Ch. I. Salome, b. 1804; m. Rev. Urijah Underwood, 
a Baptist minister; she d. 1852. 

2. Orrin, b. 1808. 

3. Walter. 

4. Fanny; b. March 3, 1812; m. Sullivan Under- 

wood. 

5. Cyprian Stephen, b. July 3, 1814. 

Stephen Lyon died June 11, i860, aged 80. Sally, his 



4o6 GENEALOGIES. 

wife, died vSeptember 24, 1845, aged 65. The family are 
buried in the East cemetery. 

Orrin Lyon, son of vStephen, married Matilda Snow, 
September 3, 1837. 

Ch. I. Emily Deliza, b. September 10, 1838; d. Sep- 
tember 29, 1842. 

2. Maryanne Margaret, b. January 20, 1842; d. 

March 10, 1885. 

3. Harriet Lucinda, b. October 24, 1842; m., ist, 

Myron Balcom; 2nd, Mason Balcom. 

4. Nancy Hannah", b. March 8, 1846; m. Horace 

Tucker. 

5. George Melvin, b. August 22, 1848. 

Orrin Lyon died March 10, 1885, aged 77. Matilda, his 
wife, died August 25, 1868. 

Walter Lyon, son of Stephen, lived most of his life on 
the so-called Coye hill, in the east part of town. He left 
Union about 1877 and went to" Ellington. He married 
Hannah wSnow, of Woodstock, who died October i, 1874. 
He married again. 

Ch. I. Martha Ann, b. January 15, 1840; d. Septem- 
ber, 1848. 
2. Sarah Salome, b. May 21, 1843; m. Gurdon 
Chaffee. 

Cyprian Stephen Lyon, son of Stephen, lived for some 
time on the Nathan Kinne}- place. He married Malinda 
Ingalls, (born March 7th, 1817, at Hampton, Conn., in 1842). 
He died at Union, July 6th, i868. His widow afterwards 
married Seaver Gifford, and died December 5th, 1880. 

Ch. I. Emily M., b. October 25, 1844; m. Rev. L. L. 
Goodell in i'886. 

2. Olive M., b. March 27, 1846; d. September 9, 

1864. 

3. L. Emmogene, b. August 18, 1847; i^- Henry 

Upham in 1872. 



THE LYON FAMILY. 407 

4. Albert F., b. April 25, 1849. 

5. Henry T., b. October 6, 185 1; m. Alice Arnold, 

in 1882. 

6. Oliver G. Lyon, b. July 22, 1853; m. in 1886. 

Ebenezer Lyon, son of Ebenezer, lived on the Haskel 
place, east of Mashapaug. 
Ch. I. Leonard. 



Calvin, lived afterwards in Methuen, Mass. 

Willard. 

Diantha.' 

Semantha. There were other pfirls. 



Uriah Lyon, came from Woodstock to Union, with his 
children, and settled on the Armour (now the Major Smith) 
place. 

His wife's name was Jerusha. 

He died July 24, 1849, aged 79. His wife Jerusha, died 
November 9, 1862, aged 82. 
Ch. I. Thomas. 

2. Lucy, m. Thomas Moore. 

3. Sarah, m. Lyman Hiscock. 

4. Elisha, (see below). 

5. Elias; twin brother of Elisha ; never married; 

drowned, 1878. 

6. Lyman, (see below). 

7. Waldo. 

8. Charles. 

Elisha Lyon, married Bosworth. 

Ch. I. Sarah. 

2. George. 

3. Frank. 

4. Mary, m. John Jones. 
There were other children. 

Lyman Lyon, son of Uriah, lived where Sam. Whipple 
afterwards did. He married Olive H. W. Buck (sister of 
Mrs. Henry Corbin). They moved to Geneseo, 111. 



4o8 GENEALOGIES. 

Ch. I. Alvin Moore, b. July 3, 1843. 
2. Mary Jerusha, b. April 24, 1845. 

THE MARCY FAMILIES OF UNION. 

There have been two families of this name in Union, 
one the descendants of Samuel Marcy of Woodstock, the 
other of Benjamin of Mansfield. They may be remotely 
connected. 

Samuel Marcy of Woodstock bought land in Union, 
September 28, 1753, and settled there \vith a large family. 
The following are the names of some of his children : 
Ch. I. William, m. Lucy Bugbee, May 2, 1756. 
Samuel. 

Tabitha, m. Joseph Fairbanks. 
Sibbel, m. Moses Peake. 
Zeruiah, m. James Paul, December 28, 1768. 
vSamuel Marcy died July 31, 1783, aged 79. 



Samuel Marcy, son of Samuel, married Lois Peake, 
daughter of Christopher, April 10, 1763. 
Ch. I. Esther, b. August 28, 1763. 

2. Alvan, b. June 22, 1765. 

3. Prosper, b. July 26, 1767; d. January 26, 1770. 

4. Avis, b. September 5, 1769. 

5. Prosper, b. March i, 1772. 

6. Orrin, b. August 25, 1774. 

7. John Sullivan, b. December 2, 1776. 

8. Dorcas, b. Januar}^ 18, 1779. 

9. Louis, b. January 9, 1781. 
10. Samuel, b. April 22, 1783. 

Calvin Marcy, son of Benjamin of Mansfield, came to 
Union about 1800, and settled north of the old burying 
ground. He married Abigail Vinton of Sturbridge. 
Ch. I. David. 

2. Calvin. 

3. Merrick, b. October 11, 1812, in Holland. 



THE MAECY FAMILIES. 



409 



4. Plympton, b. June 26, 1819. 

5. Freeman, m. L3^dia Green^ 

6. Mary Ann. 

David Marcy, son of Calvin, married Rhoda James, 
daughter of Reming-ton of Ash ford. 
Ch. I. Elvira, m. John Rich. 

2. David Merrick, lived at Worcester. 

Calvin Marcy, son of Calvin, lived in the house near 
the Congregational church, v^here Edwin Upham now re- 
sides. He had a blacksmith shop in the forks of the roads 
east of the house. He married Elvira Clarke of Chaplin, 
Conn. She died September 11, i860, aged 52. He died 
April 26, 1868, aged 60. 

Ch. I. Laura, b. February 8, 1837. 

2. Dwight, b. June 8, 1840; graduated at Yale in 

1863, and was a lawyer at Rockville, Conn. 

3. Emily Jane, d. September 4, 1890. 

4. Cornelia, m. F. W. Eastman of Westford; d. 

July 21, 1878, aged 30. 

Merrick Marcy, son of Calvin, [for a sketch of his 
business see the chapter on the industrial history], mar- 
ried Rinda Moore, daughter of Augustus, November 17, 
1842. He died September 3, 1869. 

Ch. I. Merrick Augustus, b. August 29, 1843. 

2. Laura Ann, b. November 28, 1845; ™- first, Ed- 

ward Taylor, August 26, 1869; second, George 
Baker, January 13, 1875. 

3. Morris Henry, b. October 18, 1848. 

4. George Calvin, b. April 3, 1852. 

5. William Pitt, b. August 21, 1856. 

6. Rinda Maria, b. December 21, 1858; m. Ellery 

Burnham of Eastford, November, 1883. 

7. Flarriet Louisa, b. January 5, i860; m. Edgar 

M. Phillips of Southbridge, November 28, 



4 1 o GENE A L OIES. 

Plympton Marcy, son of Calvin, married Caroline 
Young in New London, February 25, 1844. He lived in 
Sturbridge. 

>^ Ch. I. Sarah Jane, b January 9, 1845; m. Oscar Craw- 
ford, son of Daniel T. 

2. Charles Pljmipton, b. May 21, 1848; m. Martha 

Goodale. 

3. James Otis, b. May i, 185 1. 

4. Frederick Tudor, b. February 2, 1844; d. De- 

cember 14, 1856. 
X 5- Ida Louisa, b. February 5, 1859; m. Geo. Craw- 
ford of L^nion, August, 1875. 
6. Ada Frances, b. December 13, i860. 

Merrick A. Marcy, son of Merrick (see biographical 
sketch), married Jennie Bicknell, February 22, 1882. 
Ch. I. Lulu Jennie, b. July 14, 1883. 

2. Ethel May, b. March 30, 1885; d. August 23, 

1886. 

3. Irene Rinda, b. October 24, 1885. 

Morris H. Marcy, son of Merrick, married Martha Jane 
Miller of Woodstock, June 6, 1873. He died January i, 
1884. 

Ch. I. Ida Winnifred, b. December 19, 1874; d. May 14, 
1876. 

2. Merrick Tilden, b. March 3, 1877. 

3. Morris Hendricks, b. November 22, 1879. 

George C. Marcy, married first, Ida Hamilton, second, 
Abbie J. Collins of Ellington. He died July 8, 1885. 
Ch. I. Alice, d. December, 1886. 

William P. Marcy, son of Merrick, married Jeannie M. 
Brown, of Hartford, December 2, 1879. 

Ch. I. Annie Rinda, b. January 12, 1881; d. April, 
1882. 
2. Florence Jeannie, b. June 8, 1883. 



MATTHEWS, McALLISTER, McCLURE. 411 

David S. Matthews, the 7tli child of Nathan Matthews 
of Killingly and Canterbury, was born December 19, 1837. 
He came to Union in 1864, and bought of Leonard Goodell 
the place in the west part of town where he now lives. He 
married Mary Willis, daughter of Lemuel Willis, October 
23, 1859. 

Ch. I. Frank A., b. October 15, i860; d. March 12, 1885. 
2. Everett E., b. November 25, 1868. 



Samuel Atkinson McAllister, was the son of Abieb 
and born in Montville, January 18, 1828. He came to 
Union August 6, 1857, and bought the place of Henry and 
Sherman Leland. He married Caroline Hewlett, daughter 
of Sylvester of Holland, May 3, 185S. 
Ch. I. Eva Estelle, b. May 3, i860. 

Annie, b. November 14, 1862; d. April 11, 1863. 
Frank Atkins, b. June 15, 1864. 
Sarah Lucinda, b. August 4, 187 1. * 
Richard, born September 3, 1874. 
George vShepard, b. July 14, 1876. 
S. A. McAllister was in the lumber business, and owned 
a steam saw-mill. About 1882 he removed to East Brim- 
field. 



Dr. David McClure came from Brookfield, Mass., to 
Union, where he first bought land of Wm. and Sibbel 
Allen of Union, November 29, 1756. This was north of 
Bush meadow, including the dam and mill. He lived in 
Union several years; then he moved to Stafford about 1767. 
He again lived in Union several years near the close of 
the century, when he moved to Stafford again. During the 
interval between his residences in Union, his place was 
supplied by Drs. Preston and Rice. Dr. Hammond suc- 
ceeded him. During his last residence in Union he lived 
on the so-called "ministerial place." He married Jane 
Moor, June 4, 1761. 



412 GENEALOGIES. 

James McNall was the first settler of the town of 
Union, and lived on the hill north of the house where Dea- 
con Healy Corbin lived (where Mr. Barber now does). He 
was a native of Ireland, but moved to Union from Bedford, 
Mass. He bought land of Nath. Walker, near Bush 
meadow, which was the Jason Ferry or Whipple place, and 
long continued to be occupied by the McNall family. He 
was a man of eccentric character. It is not known 
whether he had children. He was probably the brother of 
Wm. McNall. He died July 23, 1781, aged about 75. His 
wife Jean McNall, died December 30, 1773, in the 65th year 
of her age. 

William McNall was one of the earliest settlers of the 
town of Union. He bought of Eb. Fitch, one of the pro- 
prietors, "one full twenty-sixth part of the town," May 24, 
1722. (T. R. Vol. I, p. 47). In this deed McNall is said to 
be from "Worcester, Mass., and late of Ireland." He was 
probably in the same company of emigrants with John 
Lawson, who remained awhile at Worcester before they 
came to Union. He sold land to John Lawson, July 7, 1732, 
the consideration for 100 acres being a two-year old colt. 

William McNall lived in the south part of town. He 
married probably before he came to this country, and 
brought most of his children with him. His wife's name 
was Elizabeth. He died September 22, 1797. She died 
September 13, 1799. 

Ch. I. James. 

2. Elizabeth, m. Robert Moore. 

3. Arthur. 

4. Margaret, m. Joseph Davis of Brimfield. 

5. Catherine, m. Isaac Magoon, of Kingstown, 

now Palmer. 

6. Alexander. 

7. John, was no7i compos mentis, d. 1784. 

Alexander McNall, son of William, married, first, Eliz- 
abeth, who died March 12, 1740, and left a son James, born 
the day of her death, who probably died young. He seems 



McNALL, McNEIL. 413 

to have married, second, Mary, who had a daughter Mar}^, 
April II, 1742. He married, third, Annie* Moor, probably a 
daughter of James, April 10, 1758. They had a daughter 
Rachel, born February 12, 1762. vShe married John Hark- 
ness of Pelham, Mass., November 22, 1781. 

Alexander McNall died at Union, July 27, 1782, accord- 
ing to Rev. Ezra Horton, or July 23, 1783, according to the 
gravestone. 

James McNall, son of Alexander, lived at the Ferry 
place. He was the son of Ann, third wife of Alexander 
McNall, and was baptized April 14, 1765. He married Han- 
nah Foskitt of Stafford. He was a politician and intem- 
perate. He enlisted in the war of 181 2, and lost his life. 
Ch. I. Alexander, b. July 21, 1789. 

2. Lyman, b. December 14, 1791,.^- 

3. James, b. October 8, 1794. 

4. Hannah, b. November 24, 1799. 

5. Eliza, b. April 6, 1804. 

Arthur McNall, son of Alexander, married Jane and 
had two sons, Joseph, b. September 24, 1742, and Arthur. 
Their grandfather gave them land in 1744. They went to 
Palmer and sold their Union land to John Crawford, in 

1765- 

Henry McNeil, was probably not connected with the 
McNall family. He lived in the north part of town. He 
married Hannah Badger, daughter of Captain Daniel. 

Ch. I. Henry, born January 11, 1763, lived at Clinton, 
N. Y., and was a very worthy man. 

2. Charles, b. March 5, 1769 

3. Mary. 

4. Hannah. 

Tradition says that Henry McNeil went to England and 
was for many years unheard of. His wife, supposing him 
to be dead, married James Armour, Sr., December 17, 1777, 
whose first wife, Margaret, died November 20, 1775. But 



414 GENEALOGIES. 

after several years Henry McNeil returned and sued for his 
wife. He did not- succeed in getting her. He was after- 
wards found dead in a mud puddle, at Brookfield, Mass. 



Edmund Merriam, from Mendon, married Alary Laflin, 
daughter of John, November 27, 1788. He was in Shay's 
Rebellion. He died July 24, 1801, aged 55. 

Ch. I. Hannah, b. December 18, 1789; d. January 30, 1803. 

2. Otis, b. March 31, 1792; died by drowning in 

Mashapaug, July 17, 1803. 

3. Charles, b. January 31, 1794; d. April 8, 1814. 

THE MOORE FAMILIES. 

As near as can be ascertained, there are two branches 
of the Moore* family of Union. 

Robert Moore and James Moore, were among the early 
Scotch-Irish emigrants. They were probably relatives, but 
whether brothers or cousins has not been determined. In 
the arrangement made for the maintenance of John McNall 
/ion compos, James Moore became surety for Robert Moore 
the brother-in-law of John McNall. The Moore families 
and the McNalls were connected. Thus Alexander McNall 
married Ann Moore, the daughter of James Moore, and 
Robert Moore married Elizabeth McNall, the daughter of 
William McNall. 

Robert Moore, with his wife Elizabeth, probably came 
very early to Union with the McNall family. He had a 
son, William, born April 6, 1749. It is supposed that the 
following" were his daughters, though the evidence is not 
now direct, viz.: 

Elizabeth, who was probably the Elizabeth Moore that 
married Samuel Abbott of Ashford, October 29, 1766, also' 

Jane Moore, who married James King, of Palmer, Mass., 
January 24, 1771, and 

Hannah, the second wife of William, Senior, who joined 
the church May 25, 1777. 

Elizabeth, wife of Robert Moore, died February 29, 
1784, aged 61. 

* '1 he name is often spelled Moor. 



THE MOORE FAMILY. 



415 



William Moore, son of Robert, was married to Marga- 
ret Crawford, daughter of James Crawford, Senior, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1772. 

Ch. I. Alexander, b. February 15, 1773. 

2. William, b. May 4, 1775. 

3. Elizabeth, b. February 13, 1778. 

William Moore, son of Robert, was called Junior on the 
town records, %o distinguish him from William, the son of 
James, who was older than William, the son of Robert. 
William Moore, son of Robert, died in November, 1781, 
aged 32. 

All the later Moore families are descended from James 
Moore. They are so numerous that we give the following 
diagram to assist in tracing relationships: 



f Festus. 



Auo-ustus. 



'Ichabod -<J 



rjohn 



Charles Weslev. 



James . . . ^ 



James. 

f John W. 
^ John ...{ . 

[Thomas - Lyman. 

Noah ... -j John. 

Samuel. \ vSamuel W., etc. 



William 



i Marlin. 
rjoseph . -. 
I ( Dexter, etc. 

[William | Wm. Weld. 

r James. 

I Thomas ■{ David. 



Thomas 



Austin. 



Lyman, etc. 



4 1 6 OENEA L OIES. 

James Moore was born in Ireland, and lived at Grafton 
awhile after his emigration to America. He first bought 
land in Union, December 19, 1739. This was in the west 
part of town, in "the Content" so called. It was where his 
descendants have since lived (the Dexter Moore place). 

James Moore died October 20, 17 7-, in the 83rd year of 
his age. His widow died January 22, 1785, aged 98. 
Ch. I. John, b. 1717. 

2. William. 

3. Thomas. 

4. Anna, m. James McNall. 

5. Jane, m. Dr. McClure. 

John Moore, son of James, was born on the passage to 
America. When he bought land in Union, of his father, 
December 15, 1744, he was living in Dorchester, Mass. He 
died May 22, 1787. He married Sarah Bliss, of Brimfield. 
She died August 2, 1818, aged 84. 

Ch. I. Ichabod, b. October 9, 1759. 

2. James, b. November 17, 1760. 

3. John, b. July 21, 1762. 

4. Janett, b. December 20, 1763. 

5. Sarah, b. October 18, 1765; m. Major David 

Lawson. 

6. Noah, baptized March 30, 1769. 

7. Eunice, baptized December 13, 1769. 

8. Samuel, baptized July 14, 177 1. 

9. Timothy, baptized May 8, 1773. 

10. Stephen, baptized October 9, 1774; m. Polly 

Laflin; went to New York. , 

11. Margeret, baptized May 24 1778. 

12. Mehitable. 

William Moore, son of James, married, ist, Sarah Rose- 
brooks, of Brimfield, September 30, 1762. She died Sep- 
tember 27, 17 71. The church records show that the day 
before her death all her children were baptized. He mar- 
ried, 2nd, Hannah Morse, of Woodstock, March 16, 1773. 



THE 3I00RE FAMILY. 417 

She was an aunt of Rev. Jedediah Morse, the author of the 
geography. 

Ch. I. Joseph, b. March 5, 1763. 

2. William, b. September 12, 1766. 

3. Eleazar, b. August 15, 1768. 

4. Mary, b. August 10, 1769. 

5. Betsey, b. July 25, 1770. 
By his second wife. 

6. Walter, b. March 13, 1777; d. June 20, 1798. 

7. Royal, b. June 11, 1778; d. November 9, 1798. 

8. Pliny, b. January 28, 1781; d. April 28, 1802. 
Walter Moore was a youth of promise, and was a mem- 
ber of Phillips Academy, And over, at the time of his death. 
He returned home to die. The funeral sermon was preached 
by the Rev. David Avery, and was printed, also, a tribute 
to the memory of his friend in verse, supposed to be by a 
classmate at Andover. 

Thomas Moore, son of James, married, ist, Mehitable 
Bliss, of Brimfield. He married a second wife. 

Ch. I. David, baptized September 18, 1768. 

2. James, baptized September 18, 1768. 

3. Daniel, baptized April 14, 1 765 ;d. March 27, i783_ 

4. Thomas, baptized March 30, 1769. 

5. Thaddeus, baptized March 30, 1769; was a 

physician. 

6. Shubael, baptized July 21, 1771. 

7. Bliss, baptized August i, 1773; was a physician. 

8. Abijah, baptized September 21, 1777. 

9. Abner, baptized June 28, 1778. 

10. Eli. 

11. Elisha. 

IcHABOD Moore, son of John, married Phebe Loomis, 
daughter of Abner Loomis. He lived where Loomis Agard 
has since resided. 

Ch. I. Philena, b. 1787; d. June 3, 1789. 
2. Festus, b. April 10, 1789. 

27 



41 8 GENEALOGIES. 



Augustus, b. May 23, 1791. 

Erastus, b. March 5, 1793; insane. 

Fanny, b. October 3, 1795; m. Benjamin Agard. 

Phebe, b. April 11, 1796; m. Webber, of Holland. 

Sarah, b. July 29, 1797; insane. 

Chauncey, b. July 21, 1799. 

Charles Wesley, b. August 14, 1802. 

James, b. December 25, 1804. 

Luther, b. May 26, 1806. 



John Moore, son of John, married Martha Lawson, 
daughter of Capt. Thomas Lawson, March 29, 1787. 
John Moore died November 10, 1827. 
Ch. I. Margaret, b. May 16, 1788; m. Eli Fisk, May 13, 
1813. 

2. Esther, b. April 4, 1790; m. Stephen Bugbee, of 

Woodstock, February 11, 1819. 

3. Mehitable, b. February 27, 1794; m. Theophilus 

Brooks, September 4, 181 7. 

4. John Wesley, b. December 21, 1802. 

5. Thomas, b. February 5, 1806. 

Noah Moore, son of John, married Polly Curtiss, of Ash- 
ford, June 15, 1794. He lived in Ashford. 

Ch. I. Mary, m. Samuel Curtiss, of Ashford. 

2. John, m. Esther Lawson, November 29, 1827. 

3. Sally, m. Austin Moore. 

4. Miltiah Permelia, m. Jarius Chapman. 

Samuel Moore, son of John, married Amy Whiton, of 
Ashford, January 30, 1798. 

Ch. I. Amy Whiton, b. November 8, 1798; m. Rufus 
Loomis, of Woodstock, March 28, 1844. 

2. Rowena, b. March 17, 1800; d. February 27, 1803. 

3. Lydia, b. June 30, 1801. 

4. Lucinda, m. Chaunce}^ Whiton, of Ashford, 

March 26, 1833. 

5. Sophia, b. December 12, 1802; m. Lucius Back, 

of Holland, January 27, 1835. 



THE MOORE FAMILY. 



419 



6. Hannah, b. November 22, 1808; became a mis- 

sionary to Africa. (See biographical sketch). 

7. Louisa, b. June 28, 1810; m. John S. Bartlett, of 

Ashford, November 27, 1834. 

8. Joanna, b. August 8, 1812; d. April 9, 1842. 

9. Lydia, b. March 28, 1814; m. Otis Lumbard, of 

Ashford, October 8, 1844. 
10. Samuel Whiton, b. August 28, 181 7. 

Joseph Moore, son of William, married Alice Bixby, of 
Stafford. 

Ch. I. Laura, b. June 16, 1789. 

2. Orrin, b. March 22, 1791. 

3. Sydney, b. March 22, 1793. 

4. Marlin, b. August 18, 1795. 

5. Marcia, b. 1797. 

6. Walter, b. 1799. 

7. Lothrop, b. August 31, 1805; drowned in Masha- 

paug, August 14, 1840. 

8. Dexter, b. September 11, 1809. 

William Moore, son of William, married Bethiah Weld, 
of Sturbridge, May 30, 1796. 

Ch. I. Permelia, b. April 6, 1797. 

2. Sally R., b. October 22, 1798; m. Jonathan Ami- 

down, of Southbridge, June 17, 1824. 

3. Nancy, b. June 15, 1800. 

4. Eleazar, b. December 19, 1802. 

5. Calista, b. March 26, 1805; m. Morey Adams, of 

Bolton, Mass., January i, 1828. 

6. Persis, b. October 22, 1806; d. July 22, 1826. 

7. AVilliam Weld, b. December 6, 1808. 

8. Elmina, b. July 26, 1810. 

9. Washington, b. May i, 1813. 
10. Pliny, b. April 25, 1814. 

James Moore, son of Thomas, married Esther Bixby, of 
Stafford, August 18, 1785. He lived on Stickney Hill, 



420 



GENEALOGIES. 



and afterwards moved to Vernon, N. Y., near Indian 
Orchard, in Stockbridge, N. Y. 
Ch. I. Orinda, d. May i, 1790. 

2. Horace. 

3. Lucinda. 

4. Esther. 

5. Jarvis. 

6. Patty. 

7. James. 

David Moore, son of Thomas, married Louis Cody, Sep- 
tember II, 1783. 

Ch. I. Daniel, b. January 11, 1784. 

2. Isaac, b. April 12, 1785. 

3. Lois, b. September 2, 1787. 

4. Leonard, b. August 28, 1789. 

5. Mehitabcl, b. October 26, 1792. 

6. Susanna, b. January 3, 1797. 

Thomas Moore, son of Thomas, married Azubah Shaw, 
daughter of Joshua, of Monson, Mass. 

Ch. I. Alfred, b. January 16, 1796; m. Lucinda Horton, 
January 28, 181 9. 

2. Lyman, b. January 3, 1798. 

3. Eli, b. October 8, 1799. 

4. Austin, b. June 7, 1802. 

5. Azubah, b. January 25, 1804; d. January 5, 1805. 

6. Thomas, b. October 6, 1806. 

7. Caroline, b. February 6, 1809; m. Dr. James 

Moore, April 24, 1831. 

Festus Moore, son of Ichabod, married Cynthia Under- 
wood, of Holland, July 8, 1829. He lived south of Loomis 
Agard's. Then moved to Ashtabula, O. 
Ch. I. Cynthia Jane, b. April 26, 1830. 

2. Festus Reuben, b. April 15, 1833. 

3. Alvan Underwood. 

Augustus Moore, son of Ichabod, lived first in Rock- 
meadow, then in 1830, moved to the Webster place on Stick- 




Augustus Moore. 



THE MOORE FAMILY. 421 

ney Hill. He was a judge of the Probate Court, and held 
many town offices. He married first, Anna Morris, of Hol- 
land, daughter of Ebenezer, and second, Elizabeth Jakness, 
of Oneida, N. Y., in 1865. His first wife, Anna, died April 
6, 1864, aged 68. His second wife, Elizabeth, died May 10, 
1871. 

Augustus Moore died May 17, 1872. 

Ch. I. Ebenezer Morris, b. March 29, 1818; studied 
medicine at Yale; married Magdalen Trueax, 
and died at Union, September 20, 1848. 
2. Rinda, b. August 22, 1820; m. Merrick Marcy, 
November 17, 1842. 

Charles Wesley Moore, son of Ichabod, lived in Elling- 
ton, Conn. He married Anna Corbin, daughter of David, 
May 30, 1830. 

Ch. I. Mariette, b. December 24, 183 1; m. Amos Pease, 
May 24, 1849. 

2. Marinette,!). January 30, 1833; m. Guy P. Col- 

lins, March 21, 1855. 

3. Milton, b. August 8, 1834; d. August 31, 1834. 

4. Martha, b. July 23, 1835; ^- Milton Kinney, 

March 14, i860. 

5. Marcia, b. July 23 1835; d. March 19, 1837. 

6. Charles C, b. June 9, 1837; m. Anna C. Clark, 

October 18, 1865. 

7. Amelia A., b. December 4, 1838; m. Everett P. 

Russell, December 11, 1867. 

8. Carlos C, b. May 27, 1840; d. September 14, 1842. 
Q. Romelia J., b. Jime 5, 1842; d. July 12, 1843. 

10. Augusta J., b. May 20, 1844; m. William H. Bur- 

dick, November 27, 1866. 

11. Adeline H., b. January 4, 1847; d. September 28, 

1852. 

12. Julia M., b. September 20, 1849; m. Malone G. 

Moore, March, 1875. 

13. Josephine Abbie, b. November 30, 1851. 



422 



GENEALOGIES. 



14. Edwin C, b. March 20, 1854; d. September 5, 

1855- 

15. Frederick W., b. June 21, 1857. 

Dr. James Moore, son of Ichabod, married Caroline 
Moore, daughter of Thomas, April 24, 1831, and settled in 
New York. 

Ch. I. Maria, b. July 30, 1833; d. October 9, 1833. 

2. Caroline Azubah, b. November 3, 1834; d. June 

16, 1835. 

3. Gorden, b. March 16, 1837; a Methodist min- 

ister. 

4. S. Palmer, b. September 4, 1839; a physician. 

5. James Emerson, b. October 29, 1851. 

John Wesley Moore, son of John, married first, Try- 
phena Back, of Holland, June 12, 1826. She died November 
10, 1832. He married second, Lucy Ann Chase, of South- 
bridge, August 6, 1837. 

Ch. I. John, b. January 17, 1828; d. September 13, 1830. 

2. Elizabeth Tryphena, b. May 4, 1829. 

3. Charles. 

4. Mary. 

Thomas Moore, son of John, married Lucy Lj-on, daugh- 
ter of Uriah, March 21, 1832. He died June 8, 1885. Lucy, 
his wife, was born December 2, 1805; died September 4, 1882. 
Ch. I. Lyman, b. November 24, 1834. 

2. Lucy, m. Oliver Marcy. 

3. Alvan. 

4. Martha, b. January 21, 1837; d. March 26, 1843. 

5. Thomas, b. June 14, 1840; d. June 23, 1842. 

6. George, b. February 11, 1842; d. June 16, 1842. 

7. Esther, b. March 20, 1848; d. January 16, 1857. 

Samuel Whiton Moore, son of Samuel, married Ange- 
line Ruby, November 7, 1842. 

Ch. I. Henry Samuel, b. December 30, 1844. 
2. Julia Angeline, b. January 9, 1846. 




Thomas Moore. 



THE MOOEE FAMILY. 423 

3. Ella Amy, b. June 4, 1854. 

4. Nellie Rosetta, b. August 8, 1858. 

Lyman Moore, son of Thomas, married Phebe Lawson, 
daughter of Robert, May 31, 1827, and moved to Stockbridge, 
N. Y. Mrs. Phebe Moore died April 3, 1868. 
Ch. I. Lucius, b. April 28, 1828; d. 1891. 

2. Mary Ann, b. September 6, 1831; m. Horton, in 
1892. 

Eli Moore, son of Thomas, married first, Betsey Gale, 
December 19, 1822, and had one son, Eli G., born Septem- 
ber 27, 1823. Betsey Moore died October 13, 1823. He 
married second, Lucy Wheeler, of Ashford, and they had 
one son, Ambrose W. She died and he married third, Anna 
Stoddard of Smithfield, N. Y., and had a son, James B. 

Austin Moore, son of Thomas, married Sally Moore, 
daughter of Noah, of Ashford, and went to Stockbridge, 
N. Y. 

Ch. I. Sally Louisa, b. March 7, 1827. 



Austin Noah, b. March 24, 1832. 

Horace Walter, b. April 19, 1836. 

Betsy Ann. 

James. 

John. 



Thomas Moore, son of Thomas, married Fidelia Horton, 
daughter of Dea. Ezra, September 15, 1835, and lived in 
Smithfield, N. Y. 

Ch. I. Florilla Moore, b. July 10, 1835; m. Rev. Gorden 
Moore, a Methodist minister. 
2. Franklin, b. November 3, 1842; m. Mary M. 
Clark, June 28, 1870. 

Marlin Moore, son of Joseph, married Catherine Tyler, 
of Westford. 

Ch. I. Emeline. 

2. Harriet, m. Ossian Newell. 



424 



GENEALOGIES. 



Clarissa. 
Dexter. 
Asher. 
Lorin. 
Myra A. 



Sydney Moore, son of Joseph, married Sophia Cone, of 
Haddam, Conn. 

Ch. Dorcas, Marcia, Minerva, Frances, Elorda, Jane, 
Sydney, Henry, Eliza. 

Dexter Moore, son of Joseph, married Latira Grig-gs, 
daughter of Elisha, July 4, 1839. He was killed in his saw- 
mill November 5, 1884. 

Ch. I. Ellen A., b. July 27, 1840; m. Sanford Booth. 

2. Leslie M., b. July 17, 1848; d. January 29, 1864. 

3. Malone G., b. January 10, 1851. 

4. Emerson O., b. May 30, 1854. 

Lyman Moore, son of Thomas, married Emma Fidelia 
Blodgett, daughter of Edward, July i, 1872. She was born 
May 6, 1852. 

Ch. I. Fred Alvin, b. Jani:ary 21, 1874. 

2. Eliza Martha, b. June 27, 1875. 

3. Bell Frances, b. July 22, 1877. 

4. Bessie Gei-trude, b. July 15, 1883. 

Malone G. Moore, son of Dexter, married Julia M. 
Moore, daughter of Charles Moore, of Ellington, March 12, 
1875. She died November 7, 1875. He married second, 
Lizzie F. Chapin, daughter of Warren Chapin, of Stafford- 
ville. Conn., April 20, 1882. 

Ch. I. Charles H., b. June 24, 1883. 
2. Ethel M., b. April 15, 1889. 



Nathaniel Morey came from Charlton to Union, where 
he bought land of Eb. Wales, of Brimfield, December 17, 



MOBEY, THE MORSE FAMILY. 



425 



1801. He married Prudence Putney, daughter of Isaiah, 
of Charlton and Union. 

Ch. I. Resolved, m. Sally Stewart of Stafford; d. 
November 30, 1836, aged 41. 

2. Harvey. 

3. Austin, d. February 6, 1829, aged 28. 

4. Lucena, m. Erastus S. Eastman, of Ashford, 

August 26, 1830. 

5. Warren. 

6. Sally, d. December 22, 1836, aged 32. 
Nathaniel Morey died September 21, 1829, aged 80. 

Harvey Morey, son of Nathaniel, married Asenath 
Gurley, April 10, 1825. 

Ch. I. Francis Newton, b. December 29, 1825. 

2. Lucy Philena, b. March 19, 1827, d. June i, 1828. 

3. Eliza Ann. 

4. Harvey. 

Warren Morey, son of Nathaniel, married Lucy James, 
daughter of Remington, of Ashford, and had three children, 
Elvira, Vesta Elvira and Harvey. 

THE MORSE FAMILIES. 

The ancestor of the Morses of Union, Ashford, Wood- 
stock, and Sturbridge was Samuel Morse of Medfield, 
Mass., who was born in England in 1585. His posterity is 
very numerous and the race in all its generations has had 
the general character of self-reliance and enterprise, of 
substantial worth and independence. In some branches, 
as in that of Woodstock, the name is distinguished, as in 
the instance of Dr. Jedediah Morse, the "Father of Ameri- 
can Geography," and a leading divine, and his sons famed 
as artists, editors and inventors (among them Prof. Samuel 
Morse, the inventor of the telegraph). 

Savage, in his Genealogical Dictionary, says that Sam- 
uel Morse came in the ship Increase from London, in 1635, 
aged 50 years, with his wife Elizabeth, aged 48 years, and 



426 GENEALOGIES. 

with his son Joseph, but how the other children came is 
uncertain. He died, according to one account, June 20, 
1654. His wife died June 20, 1655. His will mentions as 
his children, John, Daniel, and Mary, wife of Samuel Bul- 
len, besides Ann, the widow of his son Joseph. 

Joseph, son of Samuel, came from England with his 
father in the ship Increase in 1635, at the age of 20. He 
married Hannah or Ann Phillips of Watertown, and had 
seven children, of whom the sixth was Jeremiah, who mar- 
ried Elizabeth Hammont, daughter of Francis Hammont, 
the ancestor of all the Hammonts and Hammonds of Med- 
field, Medway, Sturbridge and Union. 

John Morse, son of Samuel, was born in England in 
161 1. He had by his wife Annis, eleven children. 

Ezra Morse was the sixth child of John and was born 
February 5, 1644. He was a great mill holder. He mar- 
ried Joanna Hoar. 

His son David was born in 1709, and moved to Stur- 
bridge, then called New Medfield, of which town he was 
one of the first settlers. 

Nathan, son of David, was born in 1734. He moved to 
Ashford, Conn., and married Widow Mary Bugbee of 
Union, May 8, 1777. 
Ch. I. Rebecca. 

2. Nathan, b. September 14, 1780. 

3. Jedediah, b. February 19, 1783. 

4. David, b. February 12, 1785. 

5. Jonathan, b. February 12, 1785. 

Nathan Morse of Ashford died on a visit to his native 
place, Sturbridge, in 1784, before the birth of his twin chil- 
dren, David and Jonathan. 

Nathan Morse of Union was the son of Nathan of 
Ashford. He married Persis Robbins, daughter of Clark 
Robbins of Ashford, March 25, 1802. 

Ch. I. Danford, b. December 27, 1802; died 1862. 

2. Lyman, b. September 11, 1804; killed by the 
falling of a tree, February 23, 1828. 



THE MORSE FAMILY. 427 

Mary. 

Jedediah, b. September 9, 1809. 

Amasa, b. May 8, 1814. 

Nathan, b. January i, 1816. 

Rebecca, b. July 10, 1819; m. David Potter. 

Albert K., b. September 14, 1826. 



Jedediah Morse, son of Nathan of Ashford, lived at 
Union. He married Persis Chapman, daughter of Thomas 
Chapman of Ashford, November 24, 1803. 
Ch. I. Otis, b. February 25, 1805. 

2. Maria, b. January 9, 1807; m. Ira Walker, March 

II, 1830. 

3. Lucius, b. January 14, 18 12. 

4. Luke, b. January 24, 1820. 

5. Orrin, b. January 27, 1822. 

6. Ira, b. September 9, 1826. 

Capt. Danford Morse of Union, son of Nathan, lived 
near the Stafford line on the road to Stafford Springs. He 
married Rebecca Walker, daughter of Perley Walker of 
Ashford, April i, 1830. 

Ch. I. Lyman, b. February 19, 1831; d. March 26, 1857. 

2. Huldah, b. January 23, 1833; m. Freeman Put- 

nam, November 20, 1853. 

3. Adeline, b. March 15, 1835; m. Nathaniel O. 

Newell. 

4. Emeline, b. January 20, 1838; m. Baker. 

5. Danford, b. December 3, 1841. 

6. Elias, b. April 28, 1844. 

Amasa Morse of Union, son of Nathan of Union, mar- 
ried Sarah A. Thomas, daughter of Roland G. Thomas of 
Willington, Conn., November 22, 1835. 

Ch. I. Herbert A., b. December 9, 1840; d. June, 1841. 

2. Charles F., b. September 5, 1844; graduated at 

Amherst in 1872; d. at Brookfield, August 
24, 1876. 

3. Sarah J., b. July 12, 1842; m. Milo P. J. Walker. 



428 GENEALOGIES. 

4. Henry, b. October, 1846; d. April, 1847. 

5. Nathan, b. November 2, 1848. 

6. John, b. August 21, 1850. 

7. Mary, b. January 27, 1852; m. E. W. Brooks of 

Stafford. 

Nathan Morse of Union, son of Nathan, married Mary 
J. Marcy, January i, 1839. She was a daughter of Zebediah 
Marcy of Willington. He had one child by this marriage. 
His second wife was Mary Lewis, whom he married March 
15, 1840. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. September 27, 1839. 

2. Martha, b. November 18, 1841. 

3. Maria, b. November 9, 1844. 

Lucius Morse of Union, son of Jedediah of Union, mar- 
ried Lodisa Scarborough, daughter of James Scarborough, 
November 25, 1830. 

Ch. I. Stephen H., b. August 28, 1832. 

2. Lovena O., b. November 4, 1834. 

3. Merrick L., b. February 15, 1836. 

4. James L., b. July 2, 1838. 

5. Orrin H., b. April 3, 1841; d. in the army, April 

15, 1862. 

6. Susan E., b. April 17, 1843. 

7. George A., b. May 21, 1845. 

8. Charles M., b. March 6, 1851. 

Luke Morse, son of Jedediah of Union, married Huldah 
Scarborough of Ashford, February i, 1841. 
Ch. I. Everet L., b. in 1850. 
2. Permilla, b. 1858. 

Orrin Morse, son of Jedediah of Union, married Helen 
Horton, daughter of Ezra Horton, December i, 1843. 
Ch. I. Sanford, b. April 29, 1845. 

2. Helen J., b. June 9, 1848; m. Arthur Stetson, 
June II, 1871. 



HUNGER, NEEDHAM. 429 

3. Seth Herbert, b. May 14, 1852. 

4, Delpha Adell, b. July 23, 1864. 



Ephraim Hunger first bought land in Union of Nath. 
Munger of vSouth Brimfield, April 30, 1778. He lived in 
the northwest part of town. He married Johanna. She 
died August 5, 1793. He served 14 months in the Revolu- 
tionary army. 

Ch. T. Amasa, b. October 6, 1774. 

2. David, b. February 20, 1776; m. Lucy Bliss, 

June 25, 1800. 

3. Susanna, b. October 17, 1777; d. September 9, 

1794. 

4. Ephraim, b. June 7, 1779. 

5. Rufus, b. June 3, 1781. 

6. Eliab, b. August 17, 1785. 

7. Salmon, b. August 5, 1791. 

Ephraim Hunger married, second, Sally Robbins of 
Sturbridge, February 6, 1794. 

Jonathan Hunger first bought land in Union in 1790. 
He lived where Felix Boovia now does. He married, first, 
Rachel, who died in 1790; second, Elizabeth Paul, daugh- 
ter of Robert, December i, 1791. 
Ch. I. James. 

Elial. 

Horace, b. October 24, 1792. 

Zerah, d. January 5, 1794. 

Palace, b. December 23, 1794. 

Chauncey. 



Elisha Needham of Union, son of Jeremiah of Wales, 
married Chloe Strong, October 12, 1797. He died April 16, 
1822, aged 52. His widow married George W. Cummings, 
October 24, 1827. 

Ch. I. Harsena, b. July 12, 1800. 



43° 



GENEALOGIES. 



2. Polly, b. November 26, 1802; m. Sylvester Rob- 
bins of Holland. 

3. Samuel Strong, b. vSeptember 10, 1805. 

4. Salman, b. July 20, 1808; m. Mary Ann Town 
of Thompson. 

Tryphena, b. November 22, 1813; m. Darius 
Hill of Thompson, Conn. 

Enoch Gardner, b. February i, 1817; m. Caro- 
line Cook of New Berlin, Wis. 

Lurancy, b. April 3, 181 1; m. Caledonia West 
of Albany, N. Y. 

Jane Elizabeth, b. May 22, 1820; d. October 18, 
1836. 

Marsena Needham, son of Elisha, married Abigail 
Wales, daughter of Gideon, January 29, 1823. He died at 



;i, 1 83 1. His widow died at Monson, 



Stafford, August 
August, 1859. 

Ch. I. Esther Burnet, b. Jul}^ 23, 1826; m. Abram B. 
Rogers of Hartford, November 23, 1853. 

2. Abigail G., b. March 28, 1829; died young. 

3. Marsena Wales, b. January 4, 1832; settled at 

Monson. 

Samuel vS. Needham, son of Elisha, married first, Esther 
Wales, daughter of Gideon, December 13, 1836. She died 
at Union, November 24, 1839. He married, second, Mary 
Foster, daughter of William, April 6, 1841, and removed to 
Monson, Mass. 

Ch. I. Jane Elizabeth, b. August 19, 1837. 

2. Esther Wales, b. November 11, 1839; m. Horace 
Bumstead, and died May 21, 1874, at Monson. 



THE NEWELL FAMILY. 



Nathaniel Newell, of Needham, Mass., bought land in 
Union of his brother. General Timothy Newell, of vStur- 
bridge, June 22, 1775. (T. R., Vol. 3, p. 238). 

The ancestry of the Newell families of Sturbridge and 



THE NEWELL FAMLLY. 431 

Union has been traced by Joseph K. Newell, of Spring- 
field, Mass., back to Abraham Newell, who was born in 
1585, and came from Ipswich, England, to this country in 
1634. Savage, the great New England genealogist, says 
that he was the first settler of Roxbury; that he came 
from England in the ship Francis, bringing with him six 
children. Faith, Grace, Abraham, John, Isaac, Jacob. The 
fifth child, Isaac, had eight children, the eighth of whom, 
Josiah, was born March 6, 1690. He settled at Dedham, 
afterwards Needham, Mass. He married Hannah Fisher, 
of Dedham, January 21, 1 701-2. 

He had three sons, Josiah, Ebenezer and Timothy; also 
four daughters, Hannah, married Zerah Fuller, of Sharon; 
Experience, married Joseph Daniels, of Needham; 
Rebecca, married Joseph Chickering, of Dover, or Ded- 
ham; Mary, married Joseph Dewing, of Needham. 

Josiah and Timothy, sons of Josiah, of Dedham, settled 
in Needham, and Ebenezer, their brother, in Dover. Rev. 
W. W. Newell, D.D., of New York, was a descendant of 
Ebenezer. 

Josiah, of Needham, married Sarah Mclntire and had 
two sons, Josiah, whose descendants still live in Needham, 
and Jonathan, who graduated at Harvard, and was for fifty 
years minister of Stowe, Mass. His son. Dr. Jonathan, 
graduated at Harvard, 1805, and settled as a physician in 
his native town. 

Timothy Newell, of Needham, and son of Josiah, of 
Dedham, was born February 2, 17 15, and died October 2, 
1788. Lydia Kingsbury, his wife, was born March 11, 17 17, 
and died May 24, 1789. Their children were : 

Ch. I. Lydia, b. September 16, 1740; d. March 22, 
181 7. She married Timothy Kingsbury, of 
Needham. 
2. Timothy, of Sturbridge. He was born Septem- 
ber II, 1742, and died February 5, 1819. He 
married Miriam Marcy, daughter of Colonel 
Moses Marcy, of Sturbridge, and had one 



432 GENEALOGIES. 

son, Timothy (Harvard Colleg-e, 1802), and 
eight daughters, one of whom, Lticinda, was 
married to Rev. Alfred Ely, D.D., of Mon- 
son, Mass. 

3. Rebecca, b. September 23, 1744; the wife of 

Ichabod Ellis, of Dedham, Mass. 

4. Rachel, wife of Edward Foster, of Union, b. 

May 24, 1847; d. June 7, 1835. vShe had eight 
children. 

5. Nathaniel, settled in Union; b. September 15, 

1749; d. February 11, 1817; m. Silence Keep, 
of Longmeadow, December 13, 1775, who was 
born October 13, 1757, and died March 24, 
1842. He had seven children. 

6. Esther, wife of Thomas H. Townsend, had one 

child, Mary Anne, who married Alpheus 
Bigelow, of Weston, Mass. 

7. Nathan, settled in Belchertown. He was born 

January 25, 1754, and died at Dedham, July 
7, 181 7. He had eight children, one of whom 
was Rev. Chester Newell, who graduated at 
Yale in 1832, and was a long time chaplain 
in the United States navy. He afterwards 
resided at Worcester, Mass. 

8. Eleazar, b. February 12, 1758; d. February 20, 

1759- 

Nathaniel Newell, Sr., son of Timothy, came to Union 
about 1770. He married Silence Keep, of Longmeadow, 
Mass., December 13, 1775. He died in 1817, and she died 
March 24, 1842. 

Ch. I. Silence, b. February 22, 1777; m. Rufus 
Leonard, June 22, 1808 (b. April 5, 1777; d. 
1836). 

2. Nathaniel, b. August 19, 1778; d. August 21, 

1778. 

3. Eleazar, b. August 19, 1778; d. August 19, 1778. 

4. Timothy, b. August 19, 1779. 



# 



KX 




Capt. Nathaniel Newell. 




Mrs. Nathaniel Newell. 



THE NEWELL FAMLLY. 433 

5. Abigail, b. May 22, 1782; d. October 30, 1782. 

6. Nathaniel, b. July 18, 1785. 

7. Abigail, b. May 25, 1787; d. April 4, 1803. 

Captain Timothy Newell, son of Nathaniel, married 
Caroline Plympton (b. October 9, 1783), of Sturbridge, Sep- 
tember II, 1805. 

Ch. I. Abigail Walcott, b. June 8, 1806; m. Joshua 
Bascom, of Smithport, Penn. 

2. Caroline, b. February 11, 1808; m. Horatio Bas- 

com, of Smithport, Penn. 

3. Andrew Frederick, b. March 11, 1815; m. 

Martha J. Van Gorder, of Warren, O. 

Captain Nathaniel Newell, son of Nathaniel, married 
Amy Lawson, daughter of Major David Lawson, December 
7, 1808. He kept tavern and store at Union. He was cap- 
tain of the company of militia in town for several years. 
He was town clerk from 1823 to 1841, and held other town 
offices. 

Ch. I. Amy Louisa, b. October 7, 1809; m. Daniel 
Hubbard, of Middletown, Conn., afterwards 
Orwell, O. They had three children. 

2. David Lawson, b. June 6, 1811. 

3. Timothy Walcott, b. December 24, 1812; d. 

March 16, 1828. 

4. Roscius Clinton, b. December 11, 1814. 

5. Lucius Blakely, b. Sei^tember 16, 1816; d. July 

23, 1818. 
Nathaniel Ossian, b. September 11, 1824; d. 

October 22, 1824. 
Nathaniel Ossian, b. December 14, 1825. 

David L. Newell, son of Nathaniel, married Caroline 
Crawford, daughter of Hon. Ingoldsby Crawford, Novem- 
ber 29, 1835. He has kept store and post-office in Union 
and held several town offices. He was town clerk and 
treasurer from 1865 to 1870, and has held the office since 
28 



434 GENEALOGIES. 

1874. He was a member of the General Assembly in 1877. 
He died November 15, 1892. 

Ch. I. Timothy Wolcott, b. July 17, 1836. 

2. David Mellen, b. May 14, 1838. 

3. Caroline Sophia, b. Jnly 21, 1842; m. Henry 

Herman, July 25, 1864. 

4. Silas Wright, b. November 21, 1844. 

5. Abby Calista, b. February 25, 1847; d. March 2, 

1847. 

Roscius Clinton Newell, son of Captain Nathaniel, 
married Julia A. Pratt, daughter of Ezra Pratt, of 
Orwell, O. 

Ch. I. Louisa Silence, b. April i, 1846; m. Edwin 
Goddard, of Orwell. 

2. Fannie M., b. December 3, 1847; m. Trueman 

Walters, of Orwell. 

3. Mary C, b. November 20, 1853; m. Dr. Powers. 

Nathaniel Ossian Newell, son of Captain Nathaniel, 
lived in Union. He was town clerk from 1852 to 1857. He 
married, ist, Harriet Moore, daughter of Marlin Moore, 
September, 1843. She had two children. She died October 
21, 1855. He married, 2nd, Adeline Morse, daughter of 
Captain Danford Morse, May 27, 1856, and they had one 
child. 

Ch. I. Roscius Clinton, b. October 7, 1849. 

2. Henry Laurens, b. April 22, 1853. 

3. Ida Louisa, b. August 28, 1858. 

Timothy W. Newell, son of David L., married Emma 
Clapp. She died February 7, 1889. 

Ch. I. Nathaniel Ossian, b. March 8, 1863. 
Clifton Terry, b. February 22, 1865. 
Herbert Clinton, b. Januar}^ 6, 1867. 
Henry Lawson, b. May 17, 1869. 

5. Timothy Olin, b. June 6, 1872. 

6. Edith Leona, b. October 25, 1875; d. February 
8, 1889. 




David L. Newell. 



THE NEWELL FAMILY. 



435 



7. Edgar Crawford, b. June 7, 1883; d. February 

4, 1889. 

8. Amy Caroline, b. December i, 1885; d. Febru- 

ary 6, 1889. 

David Mellen Newell, son of David L., married Sarah 
Marcy. 

Ch. I. Silas Henry, b. May 15, 1862. 

2. Leon Murillo, b. October 11, 1864; d. June 13, 

1868. 

3. Caroline Sophia, b. December 27, 1865. 

Silas W. Newell, son of David, married, ist, Ida Cor- 
bin, daughter of Isaac Corbin, of Woodstock, November 21, 
1866. She died April 15, 1885. He married, 2nd, Mrs. 
Sadie Butler. 

Ch. I. Silas Wright, b. November 11, 1867. 

2. David Lawson, b. November 9, 1869. 

3. Fred Emmons, b. February i, 1872. 

4. Myra Ida, b. October 15, 1881; d. February 7, 



li 



^o- 



5. Isaac Corbin, b. March 14, 1884. 

Roscius Clinton Newell, the son of Nathaniel Ossian 
Newell, was born in Union, October 9, 1849. He left Union 
at the age of sixteen and was employed by the Agawam 
Canal Company of West Springfield, Mass., May i, 1866. He 
became paymaster and clerk in the office of the South- 
worth Paper Company of West Springfield, April i, 1868. 
On January i, 1875, he organized the Massachusetts Paper 
Company, assuming the financial management in connec- 
tion with a partial interest in the company until June i, 
1877. 

He became paymaster of the Otis Company, November, 
1877, and superintendent of their mills at Three Rivers, 
Mass., in October, 1881. He is a man of splendid business 
ability and is highly respected by all who know him. He 



436 GENEALOGIES. .^ 

married Sarah Alberton Cusliman, daughter of Alden 
Cushman, of Agawam, Mass., September 20, 1S70. 

Ch. I. Henry Clinton Newell, b. October 12, 1875. 

Henry Laurens Newell, son of Nathaniel Ossian 
Newell, was born in Union, Conn., April 22, 1853. He left 
Union and entered the employment of the Southworth 
Paper Company of West Springfield, Mass., March 3, 1870. 
He was superintendent of the Worthy Paper Companies' 
mills from January i, 1880, until May i, 1886, when he 
engaged in the paper business in Springfield, Mass., on his 
own account. He sold out his business in 1889 to com- 
mence the manufacture of envelopes. He organized the 
Ohio Envelope Company of Dalton, Ohio, of which he 
became president and manager, April i, 1891. His present 
residence is at Dalton, Ohio. He married Isabel Macauley, 
May 8, 1877. 

Ch. I. Roscius Clinton, b. June 3, 1878. 

2. AiTiy Isabel, b. February 18, 1884. 

3. Daughter (not yet named), b. October 12, 1892. 

Jacob Newell came to Union from Sturbridge and 
bought land of Obadiah Lillie, March 24, 1778. He lived 
where Edwin Upham now does. He was a distant relative 

of Nathaniel Newell. He married Chloe . 

Ch. I. Lucy, b. in vSturbridge; baptized October i, 
1780. 

2. Moses, b. in Sturbridge; baptized October i, 

1780. 

3. Abraham, b. May 24, 1780; d. May 14, 1786. 

4. Harmony, b. December 10, 1782; d. March 28, 

1783. 

5. Harmony, b. March 26, 1784. 

6. Molley, b. January i, 1786. 

7. Abraham, b. September 30, 1789. 



Ezekiel Olney came from Johnston, R. I., to Union in 
1786. He had been a captain in the Revolutionary army. 



J 



OLNEY. 



437 



He lived in the southeast part of town (on what was after- 
wards the George Leonard place). He lived in Union from 
1786 to about 1820, when he removed to Willington, where 
he died October 21, 1826. He married, ist, Mary Warner; 
2nd, Lydia Brown, born at Smithfield about 1754 and died 
in 1833. 

Ch. I. Jeremiah, b. March 15, 1775; d. February 11, 1826. 

2. Susannah, b. May 28, 1778; m. Nathan Howard, 

of Ashford; d. 1856. 

3. Polly, b. March 28, 1782; m. Daniel Wilbur, and 

d. 1849. 

4. William, b. April 24, 1784; d. 1857. 

5. Lydia, b. May 26, 1786; m. Cady Bartlett. 

6. James, b. June 29, 1788; m. Nancy Eaton. 

7. Abilene, b. April 14, 1790; m. Elias Chapman, 

of Westford. 

8. Oliver, b. August 11, 1796. 

9. Jesse, b. October 12, 1798. 

10. Ezekiel, Jr., b. February i, 1801; d. 1823. 

11. Sally Ann, b. January 29, 1806; m. Crane. 

Jesse Olney, son of Ezekiel, became a celebrated 
teacher in Hartford, Conn. He was the author of several 
school books, which were extensively used, particularly 
his Geography and the National Preceptor, a reading book. 
He afterwards lived in Southington, Conn., then in Strat- 
ford. He was a leading politician and for many years 
State Comptroller. He married Elizabeth Barnes, May 4, 
1829. 

Ch. I. Charles F., b. August 27, 1831; teacher in New 
York. 

2. James B., b. July 20, 1833; lawyer in Catskill, 

N. Y. 

3. George A., b. May 29, 1835; merchant in New 

York. 

4. Julia Ann, b. July 21, 1837. 

5. Ellen W., b. November 6, 1842; an authoress. 

6. Mary H., b. September 8, 1849. 



438 



GENEALOGIES. 



Arnold Paine married Harriet M. Hatch, April 20, 1841. 

She died November 28, 1847. He married, 2nd, 

Keep, of Monson. He died by suicide, January 7, 185 1. 



Ch. 



Mary Jane, b. March 9, 1842. 
Lucy, b. January 30, 1843. 
Maria, b. February 9, 1844. 
Harriet, b. March 23, 1845. 
Arnold Aaron, b. March 11, i< 



Jeremiah Parks came to Union from Preston, New Lon- 
don county, in 1761. He lived in the northwest part of 

town. He married Hannah . 

Ch. I. Shubael. 



Elias, b. October 20, 1762. 
Mary, b. September 23, 1767. 
Eleanor, b. January 13, 1771. 
James, b. February 25, 1778. 



THE PAUL FAMILIES. 

Robert Paul, Senior, was one of the first settlers of 
Union. He lived in the so-called Abbott House south of 
the old meeting-house. He was called Robert Paul Senior 
to distinguish him from another Robert Paul his Junior 
in age, but not related. 

He bought the land (lot No. 13), on which he lived and 
died, of James Enos, the original proprietor, January 4, 
1732. In the deed of conveyance he is said to be from 
"Needham, county of Suffolk, Mass. Bay." He was a native 
of Ireland, but of Scotch-Irish extraction, and belonged to 
the Scotch-Irish emigration. He was a man of ability 
and influence in his day. A manuscript copy of a treatise 
on Surveying and Navigation, with diagrams, written by 
Robert Paul, is in the hands of Harvey Lawson, one of his 
descendants. His wife's name was Mehitabel Osland. 
Ch. I. Jennet, b. May 26, 1728. 

2. Esther, b. October 18, 1729; m. Capt. Thomas 
Lawson. 



THE PAUL FAMILY. 439 

3. Mehitabel, b. October 16, 1734; d. June 13, 1739. 

4. Margaret, b. 1726; m. Caleb Abbott. 

Robert Paul, Senior, died June 10, 1781, in the Sstli year 
of his age. Mehitabel Paul, his wife, died December 18, 
1796, in the 96th year of her age. 

Matthew Paul, Senior, was one of the early settlers, 
and was a brother of Robert Paul, Senior. He lived on 
what in later times, was called the Fairbanks place, which 
he bought of Edward Stallin of Norwich, July 2, 1734. 
His wife was Sarah. Their children were : 
Ch. I. Sarah, b. March 25, 1726. 
Mary, b. March 26, 1728. 
Sarah, b. 1730; d. April 25, 1755. 

4. John, b. July 3, 1731, d. December i, 1755. 

5. Jeane, b. August 20, 1734; d. May, 1754. 

6. Elizabeth, removed to Walpole, N. H. 

7. Matthew, b. May 28, 1739; removed to Walpole, 

N. H.; d. February 18, 1793. 

8. James, b. May 9, 1742; removed to Walpole, N. 

H.; m. Zerriah Marcy, December 28, 1768. 

Robert Paul, was an early settler in Union, but not 
related to Robert Paul, Senior. He lived in the south part 
of the town and must have been an extensive land-holder. 
He was of the Scotch-Irish emigration, but it is not known 
from whence he came directly to Union. He had two sons 
who were both called "Junior," to distinguish them from 
persons of the same name in town, but not related. It is 
supposed he had daughters who settled at Palmer, Mass. 
Dr. Hammond says: "I think it quite certain that this 
family of the Union Pauls were related to the Pauls who 
were among the first settlers of Palmer." The wife of 

Robert Paul was Marion or Mary Ann . He died 

April 6, 1738, and was probably young at the time of his 
death. His widow died June 10, 1772. 

Ch. I. Matthew, b. November 20, 17 18. 
2. Robert, b. November 16, 1728. 



440 GENEALOGIES. 

Matthew Paul, Junior, was the son of Robert Paul, 
who lived in the .south part of the town, on the place 
owned in later time by his grandson Samuel Paul. He 
was called Junior, to distinguish him from Matthew Paul, 
Senior, who lived on the Fairbanks place, the brother of 
Robert, Senior. 

Matthew Paul, Junior, married Mary Lawson, daughter, 
of John Lawson, the first of the Lawsons in Union, 
November 13, 1755. 

Ch. I. Eunice, b. September 24, 1756; d. September 25, 

1756- 

2. Elizabeth, b. vSeptember 4, 1757; m. Abram Laf- 

lin, December 19, 1780. 

3. John, b. March 13, 1759; d. October 15, 1776. 

4. Robert, b. November 14, 1760. 

5. Samuel, b. June 3, 1762. 

6. Phebe, b. October 4, 1764. 

7. Mary, b. May 28, 1766; m. Eleazar Kinney. 

8. Ann, b. April 6, 1768; m. Alpheus Twist. 

9. Sarah, b. February 15, 1770; m. Theophilus 

Cutler of Stafford; d. August 9, 1865. 

10. William, b. December 22, 1771. 

11. Hannah, b. March 29, 1774; d. May 4, 1845. 

12. Jennette, b. February 10, 1777; d. 1802. 
Matthew Paul, Junior, died February 18, 1793. His 

widow, Mary Lawson Paul, died April 2, 1797. 

Robert Paul, Junior, son of Robert and brother of 
Matthew, Junior, was called "Junior" not to distinguish 
him from his father who died young, but from Robert 
Paul, Sr., who long survived the father of Robert, Jr. 
Robert Paul, Jr., was distinguished from the other Robert 
Paul, by the phrase "tall Paul, the rake-maker." It is 
related of Samuel Bass of Ashford, who lived just over 
the line, and a near neighbor of the Paul's, that he was a 
flaming new light disciple, and that in the meeting of that 
sect he prayed for persons by name, and among others for 
his neighbor Paul as follows: "Oh, Lord convert Robert 



THE PAUL FAMILY. 



441 



Paul ! Thou knowest whom I mean — tall Paul, the rake- 
maker ! " Robert Paul, Jr., married, November 23, 1752, 
Elizabeth Watson (supposed to be from Leicester, Mass). 
Robert Paul died June 10, 1804. His widow, Elizabeth, 
died October 24, 1804. 

Ch. I. Eunice, d. September 25, 1756. 

William, b. April 27, 1758; d. April 29, 1758. 

Mary Anne, b. May 21, 1759; m. Samuel Stone. 

Elizabeth, b. November 18, 1760; m. Jonathan 
Munger. 

5. Martha, b. October 20, 1762. 

6. Ruth, b. March 20, 1764. 

7. Joseph, b. March 16, 1766; d. April 4, 1766. 

8. Matthew, b. April 25, 1767. 

Robert Paul, son of Matthew, Jr., settled on the place 
where his son Chauncey recently lived. He married Anna 
Sessipns, daughter of Ebenezer, November 14, 1793. He 
died of cancer, December 21, 182 1. vShe died February 22, 
1 86 1, aged 87. 

Ch. I. Polly, b. April 9, 1794; m. Dr. Shubael Ham- 
mond. 

2. Elizabeth, b. October 9, 1795; m. Moses White. 

3. Anna, d. March 26, 1802. 

4. Chauncey, b. February 10, 1798. 

5. Marcia, b. October 22, 1799; '^^- Lyiuan Ses- 

sions, January 16, 1823. 

6. Newman, b. March i, 1803, never married; d. 

October, 1859. 

Samuel Paul, son of Matthew, Jr., lived in the south 
part of town. He married Margaret Moore, daughter of 
John, April 24, 1798. 

He died April 2, 1844, aged 82. 

Ch. I. Eltham, b. January 23, 1799. 

2. Anson, b. April 11, 1800, 

3. Amanda, b. December 25, 1801; m. Amasa Has- 

kell, Sept. 10, 1823. 



442 GENEALOGIES. 

4. Alantha, b. January 22, 1805; m. Abiel S. Pratt, 

May 5, 183 1. 

5. Lumansa, b. September 18, 1807; d. June 30, 

1835- 

6. Samuel, b. August 2, 1809. 

Chauncey Paul, son of Robert, (see biographical 
sketch), married Polly Armour, September 17, 1820. He 
died June 18, 1888. 

Ch. I. Orlando, b. September 23, 1821; d. November 
18, 1839. 

2. Robert Bruce, b. June 5, 1823. 

3. Liberty, b. November 16, 1824. 

4. Moses White, b. May 30, 1826; died at time and 

place unknown. 

5. Adaline, b. October 23, 1827, 

6. Marvin Knowlton, b. August 22, 1829. 

7. Elbridge Gerry, b. December 22, 1830; never 

married, settled in Iowa; lives now (1892), 
with his brother Bruce's family. 

8. Sarah Ann, b. September 7, 1834; d. February 

14, 1870. (See biographical sketch). 

9. Chauncey, b. April 15, 1837; d. August 22, 1862. 

Eltham Paul, son of Samuel, married Mary Anne 
Richmond of Ashford, and lived first in Union and after- 
wards in Canada. He had four children. 

Anson Paul, son of Samuel, settled in London, Canada 
West. He married first, Margaret Drake, second, Caroline 
Childs of Woodstock, and had two children. 

Samuel Paul, son of Samuel, married first, Rebecca 
Knowlton, who died February 3, 1840; second, Silence 
Knowlton, April 17, 1842, both daughters of Marvin Knowl- 
ton. He lived at Union, and at London, Canada, and had 
children. 



3 



THE PAUL FAMILY. 



443 



Robert Bruce Paul, son of Chauncey, was educated in 
the schools at Dudley and Warren, Mass., and at Monson 
Academy. He then engaged in teaching some years. He 
married March i6, 1S52, Ann Eliza Kinney, daughter of 
Nathan. In 1886, he went West and settled in Edford, 111., 
on a farm. He afterwards moved to Geneseo, Henry Co., 111., 
and met with merited success in his business of farming. 
He was a man of great moral worth, and his best efforts 
were put forth in behalf of the moral, social, and material 
advancement of his town and county. He died December 
22, 1888. 

Ch. I. Addie Jane, b. August 23, 1866. 

2. Chauncy Bruce, b. September 28, 1868; d. 

March 14, 1870. 

3. Emma Josephine, b. July 9, 1872; d. August 27, 

1873- 

Liberty Paul, son of Chauncey, married Hannah Keyes, 
daughter of Edward Sumner Keyes, of Eastford, Novem- 
ber 28, 1850. In 1856, they went to Illinois and settled in 
Edford, Henry county. Here he lived till his death, July 
31, 1892. 

Ch. I. Ernest Jerome, b. October 13, 185 1, at Union. 
2. vSumner, b. March 12, 1854, at Townsend, Mass. 

Marvin Knowlton Paul, son of Chauncey, married 
Janette Fuller, daughter of Willard Fuller of AVillington, 
March 24, 1856. They live at Geneseo, 111. 

Ch. I. Jennie Luella, b. February 11, 1858; m. William 
F. Jaques, September 14, 1881. They have one 
child, Ewart Paul, b. November 22, 1888. 

2. Marilla Villette, b. March 24, 1861. 

3. Bernice Belle, b. March 9, 1868; d. August 22, 

1870. 

4. Eugene Everett, b. November 13, 1871; d. Jan- 

uary, 1875. 

5. Nellie, b. June 24, 1876. 



444 



OENEALOOIES. 



Ernest J. Paul, son of Liberty, married Elizabeth 
Hughes, April 20, 1881. 

Ch. I. Vera Z. E., b. November 2, 1883. 



Christopher Peake came from Thompson to Union; 
was one of the first settlers, and extensive land-holder. He 
botight land jointly with Ephraim Williams of Stock- 
bridge, Mass., and William Williams of Mansfield, May 12, 
1740. They owned 1727 acres, of which Peake owned 550 
acres. 

Christopher Peake of Union, was probably the grandson 
of Jonathan Peake of Roxbury, Mass., who was the son of 
Christopher of Roxbury, who was made a freeman March 
4, 1635. 

Christopher Peake lived for a time where Captain 
Nathaniel Newell now lives, and afterwards where there is 
now a cellar hole just south of the East cemetery. Most of 
his real estate was in the southeast part of the town. He 
owned the lands which the Sessions' afterwards did. He 
died not far from 1760, as appears from a deed of his sons, 
Moses and Samuel, to John Sanger of Woodstock, dated 
May 26, 1761. 

Christopher Peake married Rebecca. His children as 
far as ascertained were: 

Ch. I. Rebecca, m. John Hayward. 

Elijah, m. ; d. April 7, 1757. 

Anna, m. Ebenezer Ward, June 23, 1748. 
Moses. 
vSamuel. 

Zerniah, m. Jeremiah Badger, January 15, 
1767. 
7. Lois, m. Samuel Marcy, April 7, 1763. 

Moses Peake, son of Christopher, married Sibbil Marcy, 
February 24, 1763, and had one child, Dorcas, b. March 19, 
1763. 



PEAKE-PLUMLEY. 445 

Samuel Peake, son of Christopher, married Abigail 
Fuller, December 6, 1764. 

Ch. I. Martha, b. August 31, 1765. 

2. Zerniah, b. March 30, 1767; d. April 13, 1767. 



Captain Thomas Pettee, came from Northbridge to 
Union, in 1779. He served 20 months in the Revolutionary 
army. He had two children, Nancy and Susanna. 



Benjamin Pitts bought land of Daniel Loomis, Novem- 
ber 27, 1783, containing "about one acre with a tanner's 
yard, Bark house, currying shop." This tannery was at the 
corner of the roads east of the old burying ground. 



Francis Pierce came to Union in 1767. He was a prom- 
inent man in town, being selectman several years. He 
served nine months in the Revolutionary army. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth. 

Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. February 9, 1767; d. February 21, 
1767. 

2. Francis, b. May 10, 1768. 

3. Elizabeth, b. August 17, 1770. 

He married, second, Phebe Ainsworth of Union, April 
27, 1780. 



Daniel Plumley, was an early resident in town. He 
lived on the Ruby place. He married Abigail. 
Ch. I. Lydia, b. May 17, 1743. 

John, b. February 24, 1745. 
Daniel, b. December 7, 1747. 
Alexander, b. September 27, 1749. 
Joseph, b. January 2, 175 1. 
Abigail, b. October 26, 1753. 
Ebenezer, b. May 22, 1758. 



446 GENEALOGIES. 

8. Benjamin, b. April i, 1757. 

9. Samuel, b. September 6, 1758. 

10. Elizabeth, b. 1760. 

11. Jonathan, b. 1763. 

12. Mary, b. October 6, 1765. 



Elisha Plympton came from Sturbridge to Union, 
where he lived several years on the so-called John Sessions 
place. 

He then moved to Stafford, where he died. He married 
Bathsheba Hitchcock, daughter of Jacob, of Brimfield, b. 
October 4, 1775, and d. July 31, 1815. He married second, 
Hannah Fiske of Stafford. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. November 10, 1796; m. Foskit. 

2. Billings, b. March 7, 1797. 

3. Elijah, b. June 16, 1801. 

4. Aimed, b. July 16, 1803. 

5. Dwight, b. August 24, 1805. 

6. Perley, b. December 6, 1807; m. Minerva Hyde, 

of Stafford. 

7. Matilda, b. November 24, 1810. 

8. Louisa, b. October 30, 1812. 



Joseph Preston came from Ashford to Union and 
bought land near the Jesse Hall farm, of William Ward, in 
1743. He married Mary. 

Ch. I. Aaron, b. April 22, 1741. 

2. Mehitabel, b. September 29, 1743. 

3. Joseph, b. March 15, 1746; d. June 28, 1747. 

4. Mary, b. April, 1748. 

He removed to South Hadley, Mass. 

Dr. Stephen Preston came from Ashford to Union. He 
was the son of Medina Preston of Ashford. He lived at 
the so-called Robinson place, opposite from where E. M. 
Horton now lives. He married Clarissa Loomis, daughter 
of Lieut. Daniel Loomis. 



PRESTON, PUTNAM. 447 

He moved from Union to Sangerfield Center, N. Y., 
where he had a lucrative practice and a high reputation as 
a man and a physician. He died about 1840. He had a 
son, Medina, who was born at Union, September 23, 1793, 
and succeeded his father as a physician. 



Asa Putnam, son of Asa, of Sutton, Mass., was born at 
Sutton, June 13, 1795, ^^^ died at Union, September 14, 
1882. He came to Union in 1836, and bought of Jacob 
Morse the place east of Deacon Lawson's, where he after- 
wards' lived. He married Patty Dudley, daughter of Ben- 
jamin Dudley of Douglass. She died March 10, 1845. He 
married March 13, 1846, for his second wife, Lucy Works 
Dean, born February 17, 1813, the daughter of Ezra Dean 
of West Woodstock. She died February, 1884. His chil- 
dren, all by his first wife, were: 

Ch. I. Collister, b. November i, 1817; d. November, 
1836. 

2. Benjamin Dudley, b. June 17, 1820. 

3. Marcy, b. at Charlton, July 28, 1824; m. iVlbert 

Crawford, April, 1847; three children, Mattie 
J., Charles Albert, and Mary Olive; m. 
second time, Burlingame of Pomfret. 

4. Freeman, b. at Charlton, August 25, 1831. 

Benjamin Putnam, lived at his father's till 1844; m. first 
Eunice R. Brown of New London, who died July 28, 1849; 
second, Lydia Chamberlain, daughter of Elisha Cham- 
berlain; she died February 12, 1887; third, Mrs. Cutting of 
Southbridge, who died August, 1890. 

His children, all by his first wife, were: 

Ch. I, Emma Eunice, b. March 3, 1845; ™- Samuel 
B. Goodyear, October 3, 1883. 

2. Lucy Dudley, b. June 5, 1847; m. Ed. Darling; 

second, Everet Darby of Putnam; third, 
Theodore Brown. 

3. Lydia Sophia, b. June 23, 1849; d. February 19, 



448 GENEALOGIES. 

1887; m. first, J. W. Gantz; second, Larkin 
Vinton, of Southbridge; third, Bruce Morse 
of Eastford. 

Freeman Putnam, son of Asa, m. Huldah A. Morse, 
daughter of Captain Danford Morse; live at North Ash- 
ford. 

Ch. I. Adeline, b. March 13, 1855; m. John Whipple 
of Union; three children, Harry, Edward 
Leroy and Arthur. 

2. Julia, b. October 14, 1859; m. Frank Jackson of 

Woodstock Valley. One child, Eva. 

3, Charles, b. January 23, 187 1. 



Ezra Putney was the son of Isaiah of Charlton, Mass., 
who removed to Union, and bought land of Joseph Griggs, 
December 30, 1800. Prudence Putney, sister of Ezra, mar- 
ried Nath. Morey of Union. Ezra Putney married the 
second time, Elizabeth Coye, daughter of Archibald, Octo- 
ber 6, 1807. 

Ch. I. Nelson, b. August 22, 1808. 



Mary Taylor, b. February 13, 181 1; d. March 19, 
1811. 

Ezra Alanson, b. April 9, 181 2. 

Rensalaer, b. May 9, 1814, became a Baptist 
minister. 

Eliza, b. April 17, 181 7; m. Hiram Wallis of Hol- 
land, January 29, 1835. 

Rufus Coye, b. August 17, 1820. 
Ezra Putney died March 21, 1846. His wife, Elizabeth, 

died October 29, 1845. 

i- 

EzRA Alanson Putney, son of Ezra, lived at Union and 
Stafford. He died June 14, 1853, at Rockford, 111. He mar- 
ried Phila Wales, daughter of Lucius, April 18, 1833. 
Ch. I. Lewis, b. January 26, 1834. 

2. Andrew Nelson, b. April 24, 1836; d. September 
8, 1838. 



THE REED FAMILY. 449 

3. Joseph, b. August 24, 1838; d. August 26, 1838. 

4. Mary Taylor, b. August 21, 1839. 

5. Elvira, b. February 14, 1842. 

6. David Wales, b. June 2, 1844. 

7. Agnes E., b. May 11, 1848. 

8. Rufus Andrew, b. December 20, 1852. 

THE REED FAMILY. 

The first one of this family in Union was Levi Reed, who 
came to town in 1850. He was descended from Thomas Reed 
of Colchester, Essex county, England, whose son Thomas 
came to America about 1654, and settled in Sudbury, Mass. 
His great-grandson, Nathaniel, born in 1702, settled in 
Warren, Mass., and is the first ancestor of the Reed family 
in that place. Reuben Reed, the grandfather of Levi Reed 
of Union, lived in Warren, was known as " Major " Reed, 
and is said to have been quite wealthy, being a large land- 
owner on Reed street in that place. 

Levi Reed of Warren, son of Reuben, was born July 17, 
1773, and died October 19, 1819. He married Lucinda 
Morgan. 

Ch. I. Lucinda, b. December 18, 1804; m. Charles 
Bemis; d. September 22, 1859. 

2. Anson, b. Feb. n, 1808; went west. 

3. Levi, b. July 23, 1811, 

Levi Reed, son of Levi, came from Eastford to Union in 
April, 1850, and settled in the south part of town on the so- 
called Samuel Paul place, where his son Morgan now lives. 
His brother-in-law, Adolphus M. Cheney, purchased the 
farm on the east side of the roa#. Levi Reed was a cur- 
rier by trade. He married Pamelia C. Allen, daughter of 
Henry Allen of Fiskdale, Mass., July i, 1833. They lived 
in Fiskdale many years and most of their children were 
born there. 

Ch. I. Josephine, born April 9, 1834; m. Hartley 
Walker; d. August i, 1873. 
29 



45 o GENEALOGIES. 

2. Moses Smith, b. October 7, 1836. 

3. Anson Allen, b. December 17, 1838. 

4. Mary Augusta, b. December 5, 1840; died in 

infancy. 

5. Mercy Ann, b. July 5, 1842; died in infancy. 

6. Altha Jane, b. November 11, 1844; m. Sherman 

E. Paine of Ashford, in August, 1869; d. 
March 13, 1879, leaving four children, of 
whom William H. is now a cadet at West 
Point. 

7. Levi Morgan, b. June 28, 1847. 

8. Joel Henry, b. January 10, 1850. 

MosES S. Reed, son of Levi, lived at home until the 
time of the war, when he enlisted, August 9, 1862, and was 
in Co. I, i6th Conn. Vols. He was wounded at the battle 
of Antietam, September 17, 1862, and was afterwards dis- 
charged. He married Clarissa W. Watkins of Eastford, 
and they had one child, Josephine, who died in infancy. 
He died March 25, 1866. 

Anson A. Reed, son of Levi, is a machinist and lives at 
Worcester, Mass. He married Mary Lawrence of Auburn, 
Mass. They have two sons. 

Levi Morgan Reed, son of Levi, lives on the old place 
in Union. He is a leading citizen in town and has held 
many town offices, being selectman for a number of j^ears 
and a representative in the Legislature of 1885. He is a 
member and has been chosen Master of the Mashapaug 
Lake Grange. He married Georgiana, daughter of George 
D. Colburn in 1876. They have no children. 

Joel H. Reed, son of Levi (see biographical sketch), 
married Lydia E. Willis, daughter of Lemuel Willis of 
Ashford, October 25th, 1872. 

Ch. I. Willis H., b. May 22, 1S75. 

2. Alice M., b. March 10, 1880. 

3. Edna L., b. December 27, 1883. 



RICE-EINDGE. 45 1 

Dr. Noah Rice came to Union in 1796, and succeeded 
Dr. Preston, living also at the Robinson place (west of 
Mason Morton's). He was the physician of Union for sev- 
eral years. Dr. Rice sold his place to Peter Robinson, who 
sold it to Dr. Jacob Corey, Sr., of Sturbridge, who retained 
it for many years. About 1830 if was sold to Elbridge 
Cass. 

Asa Richardson was a shoemaker in Union several 
years about the first of the century on the county road 
southwest of the Foster place. 

Ch. I. William Augustus, m. Dorothy Wyman. 

2. Lysander. 

3. Edwin. 

4. Lucian. 

q. Charlotte. 



Eleazar Rosebrooks, was born in Grafton, Mass., in 
1747, and came to Union in 1769. He married Hannah 
Haynes of Brimfield, in March, 1772. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. November 7, 1772. 
2. Hannah, m. Abel Crawford. 

He sold his land in Union to John Rosebrooks in 1773, 
and went to the White Mountain Notch, N. H., with the 
Crawfords. 

David Roberts came from Killingly to Union in 1764. 
He lived in the southeast part of town. He had ten chil- 
dren. 

Peter Robinson came from Lebanon to Union and 
bought, in 1796, of Dr. Noah Rice the place opposite where 
Mason Horton now lives. 



Thomas Rindge, son of Jonathan K. of Eastford, lived 
during the early part of his life with Joanna and Mary 



452 GENEALOGIES. 

Sessions. He married Mary Ann Sessions, daughter of 
Abijah, September 26, 1852. 

Ch. I. Harriet Ellen, b. May 26, 1854; d. August 26, 

1855- 

2. Thomas Herbert, b. August 2, 1856; d. Septem- 

ber 24, 1856. 

3. Alice Louisa, b. August 2, 1857. 

4. Charles Thomas, b. May 15, i860. 

5. Mary Elizabeth, b. September 9, 1864; m. War- 

ren P. Keith of Eastford, January 27, 1886. 
Children, (i) Edward Sessions, b. May 25, 
1887. (2) Everett Dana, b. May 31, 1888. 
Mrs. Mary Ann Rindge died March 18, 1888. 



John Ruby was a soldier of the Revolution. He died 
August 9, 1830. He married Esther Howe, June 19, 1777. 
She died November 17, 1834. 

Ch. I. James, b. September 28, 1777; m. Mary Lamb 
of Ashford. 

2. Thomas, b. September 28, 1777. 

3. Polly, b. November 28, 1779; m. Jason Ferry. 

4. John, b. April 9, 1784. 

5. Esther, b. March 23, 1788; m. Chauncey Ferry, 

May 6, 1805. 

6. Lucinda, b. December 7, 1793; m. Daniel Steers, 

March 29, 1829. 

Thomas Ruby, son of John, lived in the southwest part 
of town. He married Elizabeth Fuller of Stafford, Feb- 
ruary II, 1801. He died September 8, 1855. His wife 
Elizabeth died July i, i860. 

Ch. I. Orrel, b. August 23, 1801; m. Paris H. Bowers 
of Thompson, March 14, 1824. 

2. Amanda, b. October 24, 1802; m. Howard of 

Palmer, April 18, 1827. 

3. Betsey, b. January 7, 1804; m. Sibley. 



RUBT, SANGER. 453 

4. Annis, b. December 12, 1805; m. Daniel Steers, 

November 3, 1825. 

5. James, b. May 13, 1807; m. Nancy Daggett of 

Willington, November, 1830. 

6. Esther, b. December 9, 1808. 

7. Thomas Howe, b. August 18, 181 1; m. Almeda 

Porter of Willington. 

8. Ariel Fuller, b. May 4, 1813; d. October 10, 1831. 

9. Achsa, b. June 6, 1815; m. William Harvey of 

Palmer, May 22, 1834. 

10. Edmund, b. November 18, 1817. 

11. Julianne, b. November 9, 1819; m. Wakeman 

Sibley. 

12. Angeline, b. January 9, 1822; m. Samuel W. 

Moore, November 7, 1842. 

13. William, b. October 22, 1823; m. Leonora Bur- 

ley. 

14. Harriet, b. August 14, 1825; m. Nath. Sessions, 

October 10, 1842. 



Jonathan Sanger came from Woodstock to Union and 
bought of Hanry Badger, April 14, 1741, the Bush meadow 
farm and saw-mill. 

Nathaniel and John Sanger came to Union at the same 
time. 

John Sanger married Dorothy 



Ch. I. Mary, b. September 13, 1743. 

2. John, b. August 2, 1744. 

3. Huldah, b. 1747. 

4. Dorothy, b. April 25, 1749. 

5. David, b. April 26, 1751. 

6. Benjamin, probably also a son of John. He 

joined the company of Abijah Sessions in 
the army of the Revolution and was killed 
in battle in 1776. 



454 



GENEALOGIES. 



THE SESSIONS FAMILY. 



The vSessions family is an ancient and honorable one. 
The common ancestor of the Sessions of Union, Warren, 
Mass., Wilbraham, Mass., Tolland and Westford, Conn., 
was Nathaniel Sessions of Pomfret. He was born in 
Andover, Mass., in 1680, settled in Pomfret on Mashomquet 
Brook as early as 1704 and died in that town in 1771 aged 
91 years. He was a farmer and an extensive land-holder. 

In the obituary notice of Darius Sessions in the Provi- 
dence Gazette of April 29, i8og, it was said of Nathaniel, the 
father of Darius, that he was the son of Samu^T' Sessions 
who came from England with Paul Dudley, the first royal 
governor of Massachusetts, and for awhile lived with him 
at Roxbury, but afterwards went to Andover where his 
large family of sons were born. The native place of 
Samuel Sessions was at Wangate, England. 

This account is not consistent with the brief notice of 
the Sessions family as given by Savage. He makes Alex- 
ander Sessions of Andover the common ancestor, who mar- 
ried April 24, 1672, Elizabeth Spofford of Rowley. His 
children were John, born in 1674, Alexander, Timoth)^, 
Samuel, Nehemiah (should be Nathaniel), Josiah and 
Joseph. He died February 26, 1689. 

Samuel, son of Alexander, according to Savage, is not 
the Samuel, father of Nathaniel, according to the Provi- 
dence Gazette. For according to later account, Nathaniel 
of Pomfret was the son of Samuel of Andover, who was 
born at Wangate, England, but according to the former 
account, Samuel was a native of this country and son of 
Alexander the first comer. 

The fact that Alexander is so common a family name 
favors Savage's account as probable. But if Savage's 
account is to be received as far as it goes, we are in the 
dark as to the ancestry of Nathaniel of Pomfret. 

Nathaniel Sessions of Pomfret was a large proprietor of 
the town of Union. He bought, June 12, 1 721, of Wm. Mc- 
Coy of Pomfret, one-thirteenth part of the town of Union. 



THE SESSIONS FAMILY. 455 

It does not appear that he ever lived in Union, yet no 
man was more interested in its settlement. He was a most 
active member of the company of proprietors in laying the 
divisions of lots and farms. He sold his lands in Union 
to his son Darius, December 31, 1741, and two weeks after, 
that is, January 13, 1742, the son deeded the lands back 
again to his father. 

Darius Sessions, son of Nathaniel of Pomfret, graduated 
at Yale in 1737, settled in Providence and was many years 
deputy governor of Rhode Island, at the time of the Revo- 
lution and afterwards. Bancroft says of him that at the 
burning of the Gaspee (an affair like " the Boston tea- 
party) " Darius Sessions and Stephen Hopkins were the 
two pillars on which the liberty of Rhode Island depended. 
The wife of Nathaniel Sessions of Pomfret was Joanna. 
Their children were all born in Pomfret, viz.: 
Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. December 15, 1707; d. May 26, 
1767. 

2. Nathaniel, b. October 22, 1709. 

3. John, born August 14, 1711; f^- ^^^y 24, 1737. 

4. Alexander, b. October 4, 1713 ; settled in War- 

ren, Mass. 

5. Amasa, b. August 13, 17 15; ^^- April, 1799- 

6. Darius, b August 11, 17 17; d. April, 1809. 

7. Simeon, b. February 11, 1720. 

8. Abner, b. May 4, 1722; settled in Union 1744; 

d. February 18, 17 81. 

9. Mary, b. August 4, 1724. 

10. Abijah, b. February i, 1726; settled in Union; 

d. April 12, 1753. 

11. Joanna, b. January 19, 1729. 

Am.^sa Sessions, son of Nathaniel, settled in Pomfret. 
He married Hannah Miller, born at Rehoboth, Mass. 
Their children were: 

Ch. I. John, b. June 17, 1745 ; lived at Union and Provi- 
dence; d. November, 1820. 



456 GENEALOGIES. 

2. Samuel, b. November 26, 1746; lived at Union 

and Westford; d. November, 181 8. 

3. Amasa, b. August 12, 1748; settled at Tolland; 

d. May 16, 1816. 

4. Nathaniel, b. June 10, 1750; settled at Union; 

d. October 5, 1824. 

5. Robert, b. March 4, 1752; settled at Wilbraham; 

d. September 26, 1836. 

6. Hannah, b. February 2, 1754; d. May 18, 1773. 

7. Susannah, b. November 16, 1755; d. 1783. 

8. Squire, b. December 23, 1757; settled at Pom- 

fret; d. September 26, 1823. 

9. Mary, b. February 8, 1761; d. 1845. 

10. Abner, b. 1763; d. 1763. 

11. Abner, b. September 28, 1765; settled at 

Granby; d. February, 1825. 

Deacon Abner Sessions, son of Nathaniel of Pomfret, 
bought land in Union of Isaac Sheldon of Hartford, Febru- 
ary 22, 1744. His father gave him land March 17, 1748. 
He is reputed to have been one of the best citizens who 
ever lived in town. He was town clerk, succeeding Enoch 
Badger in 1747, until his death in 1781, a period of 34 years. 
He was Justice of the Peace, Captain of the Militia and 
Deacon of the church and approved himself well in every 
trust. He died February 18, 1781. He married Mrs. Mary 
Wyman, widow of Rev. Ebenezer Wyman and daughter of 
Josiah Wright of Woburn, Mass., March 13, 1747. He built 
the house long occupied by Newman Paul, which stood 
near the house of Captain Chauncey Paul. 

Ch. I. Ebenezer, b. March 6, 1748; m. Huldah How- 
ard. 

2. Silence, b. February i, 1749; married James 
y Enos, Jr. 

3. Mary, b. February i, 1753; m. Henry Martin of 

Woodstock, November 14, 1771. 

Abijah Sessions, son of Nathaniel of Pomfret, settled in 
Union, receiving a gift deed of land there of 290 acres 



THE SESSIONS FAMILY. 457 

March 4, 1750, from his father. He married Joanna Dana, 
daughter of Isaac Dana of Pomfret, as appears from her 
father's gift deed dated April 8, 1757 (T. R., Vol. 2nd, p 134). 
He died very suddenly April 12, 1753, in the twenty-seventh 
year of his age. His widow never married and became 
partially insane from the death of her husband. They 
had one son, Abijah, born June 2, 1753, called afterwards 
Col. Abijah Sessions. Widow Joanna Sessions died March 
20, 1797, aged 66. 

John Sessions, Esq., son of Amasa of Pomfret, married 
Goodale of Pomfret, November 5, 1766. 

Ch. I. Walter, b. May 29, 1767; d. April 23, 1768. 

2. Walter, b. July 22, 1769; m. Anne Loomis, July 

20, 1786. 

3. Hannah, b. January 11, 177 1. 

4. Mary, b. July 21, 1772; d. July 30, 1777. 

5. Alice, b. March 17, 1775; d. August 16, 1777. 

6. John, b. April 29, 1779; m. Hannah Bugbee. 

7. Alanson, b. September 20, 1781. 

8. Harvey, b. September 29, 1785; lived in New- 

port. 

Nathaniel Sessions, son of Amasa of Pomfret, settled 
in Union, He lived north of the Bliss Hatch place. He 
married, first, Irene Wales, daughter of Dea. Ebenezer 
Wales, November 16, 1775. Their children were five in 
number. Mrs. Irene Sessions died December 3, 1793, in 
the forty-third year of her age. He then married Fanny 
Chandler of Woodstock, October 30, 1749. He died October 
5, 1824, aged 74. His widow Fanny, died March 3, 1843. 

His children by his first wife were: 

Ch. I. Amasa, b. June 30, 1779. 

2. Ebenezer, b. May 11, 1781. 

3. Susannah, b. March 29, 1785; m. William 

Wright. 

4. Irene, b. April 12, 1787. 

5. Lydia, b. March 5, 1789. 



458 



GENEALOGIES. 



William Eaton, 



6. Nathaniel, b. August 20, 1790. 
By his second wife : 

7. Fanny, b. August 4, 1795; m. 

November 28, 1822. 

8. Hannah, b. February 22, 1797. 

9. Moses Chandler, b. March 5, 1799. 

10. Polly, b. January 19, 1801; d. October i, 1824. 

11. Darius, b. May 8, 1801. 

12. Elizabeth, b. April 2, 1807. 



Ebenezer Sessions, son of Abner, married Huldah Hay- 
ward, daughter of John Hayward of Ashford, May 18, 1769. 
Ch. I. Abner, b. February 22, 1770. 

2. Anna, b. April i, 1773; m. Robert Paul; d. Feb- 

ruary 22, 1861. 

3. Polly, b. April 9, 1775. 

4. Orinda, b. March 14, 1778; d. April 11, 17 78. 

5. Orinda, b. October 18, 1779; m. Amasa Coye; 

d. April 27, 1845. 

6. Ebenezer, b. May 7, 1782. 

Ebenezer Sessions died August 28, 1824. His widow 
Huldah died May 12, 1828. 



Abner Sessions, son of Ebenezer, married Esther Booth, 
daughter of Isaac Booth of Union. 

Ch. I. John H., b. June 4, 1798. 

2. Isaac Booth, b. May 26, 1799. 

3. Polly, b. April 14, 1801. 

4. Abner, b. August 12, 1803. 

5. Elvira, b. December 20, 1805, 

6. Sarah, b. May 28, 1808. 

7. Otis, b. August 25, 1810. 

8. Diantha, b. August 25, 1810. 

9. Isaac Booth, b. January 7, 1813. 

10. Martin, b. October 16, 1815. 

11. Truman, b. February 20, 1818. 

12. April, b. April 16, 1820. 



THE SESSIONS FAMILY. 459 

Ebenezer Sessions, son of Ebenezer, married Sally 
Hawes, daughter of Elijah Hawes, November 21, 1805. 

Ch.' I. Orrell, b. July 6, 1806; m. Leonard M. Stock- 
well of Sutton, March 19, 1828. 

2. Gilbert, b. May 25, 1809. 

3. Elijah, b. May 13, 18 n. 

4. Caroline, b. February 20, 1815. 

5. Mary Ann, b. July 9, 181 7. 

6. Amos, b. July 17, 1819. 

Walter Sessions, son of John, married Anne Loomis,. 
daughter of Lieut. Daniel Loomis of Union, July 20, 1786. 
Ch. I. Alice, b. October 19, 1786. 

2. Sarah, b. October 21, 1788. 

3. Anne, b. January 9, 1793- 

4. Charlotte, b. February 21, 1795. 

5. John Schuyler, b. March 20, 1797. 

6. Daniel Loomis, b. February i, 1800. 

Walter Sessions lived where Newman Bugbee now lives.. 

CoL. Abijah Sessions, son of Abijah, married Hannah 
May, daughter of Nehemiah May of Holland, February 8, 
1778.' Col. Sessions died May 22, 1834. His wife died April 
14, 1845, aged 91. 

Ch. I. William Pitt, b. February 6, 1779. 

2. vSarah Winchester, b. September 5, 1780; m. 

Hendrick Griggs. 

3. Louisa, b. March 10, 1782; m. Charles Foster 

June 6, 1809, and lived in N. Y. 

4. Joanna, b. February II, 1784; d. February 17, 

1875- 

5. Polly or Mary, b. February 18, 1786; d. April 7, 

i860. 

6. Hannah, b. December 11, 1789; m. Sumner 

Keyes; d. July 14, 1830. 

7. Abijah, b. April 12, 1791. 

8. Lyman, b. April 7, 1793. 

9. Olive, b. November 24, 1794; m. Asa Morse of 

Woodstock, May 20, 1824. 



400 GENEALOGIES. 

William Pitt wSessions, son of Col. Abijati, married 
Elizabeth Keyes, who died July n, 1840. He then mar- 
ried Laura Morris of Holland, Mass., January 19, 1841. He 
died without children, March 9, 1861. Laura M. Sessions 
died April 22, 1872. 

Abijah Sessions, son of Col. Abijah, married Elizabeth 
Childs of Woodstock, May 25, 1814. He married, second, 
Mrs. Charles Crawford Lyon, February 4, 1866. She died 
April 22, 1890. He died April 11,1874. 

Ch. I. Alexander Hamilton, b. January 7, 1816. 

2. Roxa Childs, b. September 17, 1818; d. Decem- 

ber 27, 1819. 

3. Jared Dana, b. December 27, 1820. 

4. Meletiah, b. April 16, 1823; m. Elijah Jackson. 

5. Bethiah, b. February 22, 1827; d. August 25, 1863. 

6. Mary Ann, b. October 11, 1829; m. Thomas 

Rindge, September 26, 1852. 

7. Louisa Foster, b. November 11, 1835; m. Daniel 

Stockwell. 

LvMAN Sessions, son of Col. Abijah, married Marcia Paul, 
daughter of Robert Paul of Union, January 16, 1823. 

Ch. I. Joanna, b. December i, 1826; d. June 10, 1875. 

2. Oilman Lyman, b. February 14, 1830. 

3. Marcia, b. May 13, 1831; m. Stone; d. 1890. 
Lyman Sessions died October 9, 1880. 

Mrs. Marcia Paul Sessions died December 5, 1868. 

Alexander Hamilton Sessions, son of Abijah, married 
Harriet Hamilton of Brookfield, Mass. He died March 6, 
1876. 

Ch. I. Harriet, b. November, 1856 ; m. October 11, 1878, 
Edward Hammond of Woodstock. 

Jared Dana Sessions, son of Abijah, settled at Union, 
Sturbridge and Toronto. He first married Miranda Hamil- 
ton of Brookfield, Mass. She died August 26, 1861. He then 



TEE SESSIONS FAMILY. 461 

married Laura Walker, daughter of Harvey Walker of 
Union. 

Ch. I. Vera, b. March, 1856; m. W. L. Hallet. 

2. Ada, b. February, 1859. 

3. Frederick H., b December 19, 1857; d. August 

22, 1858. 

4. Robert Harvey, b. January, 1866; m. Fannie 

Rice of Youngstown, O. 

Col. Moses Chandler Sessions, son of Nathaniel, mar- 
ried, first, Elizabeth Kinney, daughter of Joel Kinney, Janu- 
ary 2, 182 1. She died October 12, 1849. He married, sec- 
ond, widow of Nathan Corbin. He removed from Union to 
Kansas in September, 1857, and died there September 14, 
1868. 

Ch. I. Nathaniel, b. February 21, 1822. 

2. Elizabeth Chloe, b. August 12, 1824; m. R. Fos- 

ter Towne of Union, August 22, 1843. 

3. Maria Louisa, b. August 14, 1826; m. first Orlan 

Nelson of Wales, October 9, 1844, and lived 
in Douglas, Mass. 

4. Horace Warner, b. July 24, 1882; m. Mary A. 

Browne of Southbridge, Mass., in 1852; d. 
January 29, 1890. 

5. Amanda Melissa, b. June 29, 1836; m. Jared 

Converse of Westford, Conn., March 27, 185 1, 
second, Thomas Anderson. 

6. Sarah Lucinda, b. December 21, 1832. 

7. Susan Mary, b. May 21, 1835. 

8. Ellen Jane, b. January 22, 1841. 

9. Moses Chandler, b. July t,o, 1844. 

Nathaniel Sessions, son of Moses C, began teaching 
school when seventeen years old and taught seventeen 
terms. He married Harriet Ruby of Union, October, 1842, 
and had two children, Elizabeth, who married Capt. 
Thomas K. Bates, and Louisa, who died January, 1866. 



462 OENEALOQIES. 

Moses Chandler Sessions, Jr., was born in Union and 
went to Kansas with his father in 1857. He went to Cali- 
fornia by the overland route April 20, 1863. He is now a 
very prominent inan and farmer at Butte, Col. He owns 
1 100 acres of land and raises a large amount of wheat and 
barley. He keeps a large number of horses and other 
stock, using forty-eight work horses in carrying on his 
business. He is very much respected where he resides and 
his counsels are sought by many of those around him, 
especially by those in sickness and trouble, to whom he is 
very generous and kind as a friend and townsman. 

He married Nancy Elmira Fox of Kansas, February 
12, 1863. vShe was born March 7, 1843. 

Ch. I. Presby Chandler, b. March 17, 1866; d. April 16, 
1880. 

2. Ellen Jane, b. June 28, 1868. 

3. John Warner, b. July 9, 1870. 

4. Charles Frances, b. July 29, 1872. 

5. lola Idel, b. July 24, 1874. 

6. Mary Elizabeth, b. August 21, 1876. 

7. Nancy Isabell, b. August 13, 1880; burned to 

death August 6, 1887. 

8. Marion Clarence, b. May 22, 1883; burned to 

death August 6, 1887. 

9. Homer Lee, b. January 24, 1886. 



Marshall Severy (or Savery, as the name is sometimes 
called), came from Uxbridge, Mass., to Union. He married 
Chloe Walker of Union, August 30, 1801. 
Ch. I. Elias, b. August 4, 1803. 

Haman Severy, brother of Marshall, came from Ux- 
bridge, Mass., to Union. He married Jemima Walker, sis- 
ter of Chloe, May 11, 1803. 

Ch. I. Levi, b. March 15, 1804; m. Sophia Moulton. 

2. Elijah, b. March 17, 1806. 

3. Lucy, b, July 12, 1808, 



REVERT. 463 

4. Harriet, b. January 17, 1810; d. January 20, 1828 

5. Reuben, b. March 5, 181 2. 

6. Fanny, b. October 13, 1816. 

Elias Severy, son of Marshall, lived at the place west 
of the parsonage, where the house is now burned. He was 
for sometime leader of the choir at Union. He afterwards 
moved to Willington. He married Ataresty Moulton, of 
Chaplin. 

Ch. I. Eunice Emeline, b. May 24, 1825; m. Ashley D. 
Studley, March 29, 1846. 

2. William Clarke, b. March 23, 1829; d. March 11, 

1830. 

3. Henry E., b. 1835. 

4. Martha Ataresty, b. July 10, 1846; m. Southwick. 

Henry E. Severy, son of Elias, was converted in the 
revival of 1850, when he was about fifteen or sixteen years 
old. He was a tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed youth, who 
trained himself for a teacher and pursued that calling for 
a time with good success, but after a while he felt that he 
ought to study for the ministry, and so attended Monson 
Academy and spent a year of special training at Williams 
College. He was intending to enter the Theological Sem- 
inary at East Windsor in the fall of i860, but died of a fever 
during his summer vacation. He was thoroughly conse- 
crated to Christ and gave promise of great usefulness. 

Elijah Severy, son of Haman, married Polly Lillie. 
He died August 26, 1879. She died in 1882. 

Ch. I. Fidelia, b. December 4, 1829; m. Jasper Miller 
of Wales, May 8, 1847. 

2. Fanny Polly, b. December 25, 1831; m. Harvey 

L. Holmes, November 7, 1852. 

3. Lucy, b. December 29, 1835; m. Charles vShep- 

ard, of Sturbridge. 

4. Polly, b. July 5, 1839; m. Richards. 
■5. ElivSha, b. vSeptember 15, 1842. 



464 GENEALOGIES. 

6. Elijah Sanford, b. August 9, 1844. 
j 7. DeWitt, b. 1846; m. Fanny Plank. 

Elisha Severy, son of Elijah, married Emily Snow, in 
1863. They now live in Waterbury, Conn. 

Ch. I. Ernest Elisha, b. March 4, 1870; graduated from 
the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale Uni- 
versity, in 1890. Is now (1892), a teacher 
at Pennington, N. J. 
2. Clarence, b. June 28, 1882. 

Elijah Sanford Severy, son of Elijah, married Lucy 
Jane Stone, August 13, 1865. 

Ch. Mary, b. August 3, 1869; m. Fred Johnson, July, 
1890. 



James Shearer was one of the first settlers of Union. 
The family soon moved to Palmer, Mass. Dr. Shearer was 
a descendant. 



Joseph Smalledge was an early resident. He married 

Jane . 

Ch. I. John, b. May 28, 175 1. 
2. Zecheriah. 

John Smalledge was a Revolutionary soldier. He mar- 
ried Mary Goodhue. 

Ch. I. Mary, b. March 4, 1778; m. Shaw. 

2. Jane, b. February 29, 1780; m. Rogers. 

3. Olive, b. February 24, 1782; m. Horace Walker. 

4. James, b. April 17, 1785; m. Roxa Perry. 

5. John. 

John Smith was an early settler in Union, possibly the 
original proprietor by that name. His wife's name was 
Hannah, and his children, as far as known were: 
Ch. I. Hannah, b. June 15, 1733. 
2. John. 



SMITH. 465 

3. A daughter, b. August, 1738. 

4. Thankful, b. April 22, 1740. 

Recompense Smith was a contemporary of John. He 
married Joanna Rood, May 31, 1737. She was probably a 
sister of Mary Rood, who married Enoch Badger. He was 
received as an inhabitant of the town at a town meeting 
October 27, 1737. He went from Union to Tolland, where 
he died. William Smith, of vStafford Springs, was a grand- 
son. 

JuDsoN Smith lived at Mashapaug. He went from Union 
to vSturbridge, thence to Binghamton, N. Y. He married 
Cynthia Hammond, daughter of Dr. Shubael, January 17, 
1838. 

Ch. I. Charles Hammond, b. February 16, 1839. 

2. Emily Cynthia, b. September 6, 1840. 

3. Orlando Paul, b. September 5, 1841. 

4. Herbert Edwards, b. August 24, 1844. 

5. Albert Ellsworth, b. August 24, 1844. 

6. Anna Sessions, b. January 27, 1S46. 

Judson Smith died at Binghamton, N. Y., March 27, 
1883, aged 73 years. While living in Union he was captain 
of the company of militia here. He was engaged in the 
shoe business with Harvey Walker, from 1837 to 1841. 
After living in Warren, Mass., for a year, he settled at 
Fiskdale, Mass., where he was in the shoe business till 1852. 
In that year he removed to Binghamton, N. Y., where he 
also engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. Of 
his children: Charles H. Smith now lives in Saginaw, Mich.; 
Emily C. Smith, lives with her mother at Binghamton; 
Orlando P. Smith died April 20, 1843; Herbert E. Smith is 
in Binghamton; Albert E. Smith is at Saginaw, Mich.; 
Anna S. Smith married a Mr. Mather, and is living at 
Glenwood Springs, Col. 

Prosper Smith came from Woodstock to Union, about 
1840, and settled on the Laflin place, which he bought of 
30 



466 GENEALOGIES. 

Elisha Lyon. He married Monica Goodell, of Woodstock. 
He died March ii, 1882. She died March, 1878. 

Ch. I. Charles, b. December 21, 1822; m. Nancy M. 

Mumford, of Eastford; is a Methodist 

preacher. 

2. Maria N., b. February 14, 1824; d. September, 

1828. 

3. Lucy Maria, b. January 12, 1827; d. November 

15, 1846. 

4. George A., b. January 21, 1829; d. September 

28, 1831. 

5. Major Goodell, b. March 10, 1831. 

6. Mary A., b. October i, 1833; m. Rev. S. V. B. 

Cross, 1880. 

7. Emily Howard, b. July 22, 1838; m. Frederick 

W. Barber, September 5, 1868. 

Major G. Smith, son of Prosper, married Lucia Maria 
Bullard, of Ashford, April 9, 1857. 

Ch. I. Alice L., b. 1858; d. February 17, 1863. 

2. Willie DeForest, b. June 19, i860; d. May 17, 

1869. 

3. Minnette Eleanor, b. August 21, 1865; d. Janu- 

ary 23, 1883. 

4. Herbert DeForest, b. May 29, 1870; graduated 

from the Hitchcock Free High vSchool, Brim- 
field, Mass., in 1888. 



Capt. Joseph Snell came from Ashford to L^nion, in 
the year 1781, and lived here the rest of his days. He was 
a soldier in the Revolution and spent the winter of 1776-7 
at Valley Forge. He married first, Abigail Barton, Feb- 
ruary 17, 1783, who died January 19, 1784. He married 
second, Lydia Farnham, of Westford, November 23, 1785, 
who died January 15, 1819. He married third, in his old 
age, Margery, relict of Jonathan Harwood, of West Staf- 
ford. She died July 25, 1848, aged 93. 



SNELL. 467 

Ch. I. Abigail, b. January 4, 1784; m. Roswell Eastman. 

2. Thomas, b. November 26, 1786, 

3. Lydia, b. wSeptember 26, 1788; m. Parley Russell, 

of Willington, June 17, 1822. 

4. Joseph, b. February 24, 1791. 

5. Betsey, b. July 19, 1792; m. ist, Marcus Bugbee, 

March 4, 1830; 2nd, John Dixon, October 
4, 1842; 3rd, Jonathan Larned, September 2, 
1852. 

6. Asa Farnham, b. May 2, 1794; m. Lovisa Eaton, 

December 6, 182 1. 

7. Erastus, b. May 27, 1795. 

Thomas Snell, son of Joseph, married Hannah Strong, 
February 20, 181 2. He died May 30, 1826, aged 39. 
Ch. I. Abigail Rice, b. May 28, 1813. 

2. Edmund, b. January 2, 1815. 

3. Persis vStrong, b. February 25, 1818. 

4. Hannah. 

Dea. Joseph Snell, son of Joseph, married Hannah Chaf- 
fee, of Ashford, November 25, 1813. He moved to Eastford 
in 1830, and was instantly killed in a factory. 

Ch. I. Erastus Gilbert, b. December 11, 1814, 

2. Mary Ann, b. vSeptember 24, 1816. 

3. Harriet Sophronia, b. April 19, 1819. 

4. Lois, b. July 12, 1822; m. William S. Weaver, of 

Willimantic; critic and genealogist. 

5. Joseph William, b. March 12, 1824. 

6. Eliza Minerva, b. 1827. 

Asa Farnham Snell, son of Joseph, married Lovisa 
Eaton, daughter of Josiah, December 6, 182 1. 

Ch. Milton, b. April 25, 1823; Ann, Lovisa, Newton, 
Lovina, Siisan, William, Wirt. 



468 GENEALOGIES. 

THE SPRAGUE FAMILIES. 

Two families by this name early settled in Union. 

Elijah Sprague came from Lebanon, Crank Parish, now 
Columbia, and bought of Daniel Loomis, September lo, 1751, 
the Bush meadow farm and saw-mill. 

Peres Sprague, probably a brother of Elijah, came from 
the same place and bought of Aaron Clark, April 12, 1754, 
the west part of lot No. 3, called in later times "Sprague 
Orchard." 

The wife of Peres Sprague was Tabitha. He died April 
3, 1758. His children, born before he came to Union, were: 

Ch. I, Thomas. 

2. Peres. 

3. James. 

4. Calvin. 

5. Tabitha, m. Samuel Hendrick, June 19, 1755. 

6. Charity, m. Abner Loomis, July 12, 1754. 

Thomas Sprague, son of Peres, married Hannah Cobb, 
daughter of John, January 28, 1768. He lived east of the 
road between David Newell's and Mason Horton's. 
Ch. I. Sally, m. Cyrus Burley. 

Olive, b. August 9, 1768; m. Giles Badger. 

Lucy. ■ 

Tabitha, m. Willard Badger. 

Peres. 



Lieut James Sprague, son of Peres, was one of the brav- 
est soldiers of the Revolution. It was he of whom vSolomon 
Wales said, "He can recruit more men with his old hat 
and kilt trousers than I can with my best suit on." He 
was a favorite of Gen. Putnam, serving with him in the 
French and Indian War, and in the Revolution. He served 
43 months during the Revolution. According to Mr. Ham- 
mond he lived on the Rockmeadow road north of the Fos- 
ter place. But another tradition says he lived north of the 



SPBA G UE-SrODDA ED. 469 

Trenck Crawford place. He married Mary Thompson, 
daughter of David. 

Ch. I. Sally, b. February 11, 1778. 
2. Adolphus, b. June 26, 1781. 

Calvin Sprague, son of Peres, lived at the " Sprague 
Orchard." He married Elizabeth Wright, daughter of 
Jonathan, September 11, 1766. 

Ch. I. Peres, b. April 13, 1767. 

2. Molley, baptized September 17, 1769. 

Tradition relates the following story of Peres Sprague, 
son of Calvin. When he was a boy he was fond of going 
fishing in Mashapaug. His anxious mother used to go to 
the top of the hill north of the house, which overlooked the 
pond and call out to him, " Peres! Peres! are you drownded ? 
If you be drownded., don't tell on t for you 11 scare tne to death if you 
do tell!" 



Daniel Steers came from Rhode Island to Union, about 
1828. He married first, Annie Ruby, daughter of Thomas, 
November 3, 1825; second, Lucinda Ruby, daughter of John, 
March 26, 1829. She-died February 5, 1845, and ^^ married 
third, Hannah Youmans. 



Amos Stickney was one of the earliest settlers of Union. 
He came from Norwich and settled on the hill to this day 
known as vStickney Hill. The name of his wife was Hepzi- 
bah. They had one child born in Union, Sarah, born 
November 10, 1735. He probably removed from town after 
living here a few years. Rev. Mr. Wyman was ordained 
at his house. 



Ebenezer Stoddard, of Woodstock, obtained possession 
of land in Union, by an execution on David Grover, whereby 
Oliver Wales, constable, gave him possession of it by " turf 
and twig," March 29, 1784. He married Alathea. He lived 



470 



GENEALOGIES. 



in the southeast part of town, one year at the Col. Abijah 
Sessions place, where his son Ebenezer was born. His 
children were Perley, Alithea, Polly, and Ebenezer. 

Ebenezer became a distinguished lawyer, Lieut. Gov-' 
ernor of the State and a niember of Congress. He was the 
only member of Congress ever born in Union, although 
Moses G. Leonard was brought up here, but was born in 
vStafford. 



Joseph Stone came from Dudley to L^nion, where he 
bought of Mary Laflin, November i6, 1774, land lying in 
the northeast part of town. This was the place where Geo,. 
Crawford lives now. He married Lydia, who died July i, 
1790. He died April 22, 1818, aged 88. 
Ch. Samuel. 

Samuel vStone, son of Joseph, lived where Geo. Craw- 
ford now does. He married Mary Ann Paul, daughter of 
Robert, Jr. She died September 13, 1842, aged 83. 
Ch. I. Susanna, b. 1785; d. December 29, 1804, 

Betsey, b. August 21, 1787. 

Lydia, b. February 26, 1789. 

Polly, b. June 11, 1790. 

Joseph, b. November 27, 1792. 

Benjamin, b. April 26, 1 795 ; d. December 1 8, 1798. 

Samuel, b. February 11, 179S. 



Samuel Strong came to Union from Windsor, where he 
was born July 16, 1705. He was the son of Samuel, the son 
of Return, the son of Elder John, who came from England 
in 1635. Samuel Strong of Union came to town in 1747, 
and settled in Rockmeadow. His farm bordered on the 
west line of the town. He married Martha Stoughton, of 
East Windsor. He died January 13, 1789, and his widow 
March 5, 1798. 

Ch. I. John, d. March 25, 1756. 

2. David, b. 1737; d. at Stafford in 1807. 



SrROJSfQ. 



471 



3. Samuel, b. 1743. 

4. Alexander, b. 1749. 

5. Hannah, b. 1750; m. Jonathan Rising;, May 9, 

1780; went to Vermont. 

6. Return, b. 1755; went to Vermont. 

7. Lucy, m. Solomon Wales, October 5, 1754. 

8. Ruth, m. Paul Rising-, of Suffield. 

9. Marthy, m. Burke; went to Vermont. 

Alexander Strong, son of Samuel, lived where Francis 
Upham now does. He married Abigail Rice, of Brimfield, 
July I, 1779. He served in the Revolution. He died Feb- 
ruary 25, 1826. His widow died March 2, 1834, aged 76. 
Ch. I. Rebecca, b. June 22, 1780; m. Ed. Foster. 

2. Persis, b. March 5, 1782. 

3. wSalmon, b. March i, 1784. 

4. Hannah, b. January 3, 1787; m. The. Snell. 

5. Erastus, b. September 13, 1789. 

6. Alexander, b. April 21, 1792. 

7. Alvin, b. January 9, 1795; ^- January 14, 1803. 

Samuel Strong, son of Samuel, married Anna Needham, 
of South Brimfield, vSeptember 19, 1770. She died June 30, 
1843, aged loi. He died January 28, 1828, aged 85. He was 
a Revolutionary soldier. 

Ch. I. Martha, b. July 22, 1771; m. Nehemiah May. 

2. Mary, b. May 28, 1774; m. Walter Rosebrooks. 

3. Chloe, b. January 13, 1779; m. Elisha Needham. 

4. Anna. 

5. Phebe. b. June 11, 1781. 

6. Tryphena, b. January 4, 1784; m. Aaron Allen, 

of Sturbridge. 

Salmon Strong, son of Alexander, married Philena 
Horton, daughter of Dea. Ezra, January 9, 1812. He went 
to New York from Union. 

Ch. I. Salmon Horton, b. October 12, 1812; d. January 
18, 1834. 
2. Philena, b. Septeinber 14, 181 2; m. O. F. Ranney. 



472 GENEALOGIES. 

3. Alvin, b. February 14, 1817; m. Persis Powers. 

4. Olive Adelpha, b. March 7, 1821; d. April 14, 

1842. 

5. Abigail, b. June 4, 1824; m. O. B. Kinne. 

6. Julias A., b. November 20, 1826; m. Caroline 

Powers. 

7. Warren Groves, b. October, 1832; m. Fann}^ 

Smith. 

Alexander Strong, son of Alexander, married Lucinda 
Griggs, daughter of Elisha, November 28, 1816. 
Ch. I. Alvin, b. January 17, 1818. 

2. Diantha, b. May 16, 1820. 

3. Arvine, b. August 31, 1822. 

4. Warren, b. November 19, 1824. 

5. Alexander Stoughton, b. March 30, 1827. 

6. Lucinda, b. May 23, 1830. 

7. Horatio, b. February 16, 1833. 

THAYER FAMILY. 

William Thayer, son of Paley Thayer, of AVoodstock, 
was born December 14, 1816; came to Union in i860, and 
bought of James M. Herindeen, the farm east of Bigelow, 
where he afterwards lived. He married first, Laura Bar- 
ton, April 4, 1843. She died September 4, 1854. 
Ch. I. George William, b. April 14, 1844. 

2. Charles Henry, b. October 9, 1847; m. Addie 
Simmons, of North Ashford, October 9, 1877. 

William Thayer married second time, Philena A. Davis 
Young, November 26, 1854. They had one child, Martha, 
who married Edward Hewett, and had three children, viz.: 
Albert F., Agnes P., and George H. They lived with Wil- 
liam Thayer, until 1890, when they removed to Whitinsville, 
Mass. 

William Thayer died May 23, 1892. Mrs. Philena Thayer 
died May 14, 1873. 



THA YER, THOMPSON. 



47: 



George W. Thayer lived in a house which he built near 
his father's, until about 1876, when he removed to Kenyon- 
ville. After living in several other places he returned to 
Union, saying that he had made more money in Union 
than anywhere else. In 1884, he bought the Benjamin Cor- 
bin place, where he has since resided. He married Louisa 
V.Young. Their children were: 

Leonora, m. Myron Crawford. 

Minnie G., b. July 7, 1866; m. E. Bruce Horton, 
December, 1886. 

Eva A., b. October 27, 1877. 



Ch. 



David Thompson came from Ashford, in 1768. He mar- 
ried Prudence Harrington. 

Ch. David, William, James, Asa, Prudence, Elizabeth, 
Molley, m. James Sprague. 

William Thompson, son of David, came from Ashford in 
1774. He lived on the north side of Stickney Hill. 



Ch. 



Asahel. 

Calvin, b. 1757; d. October 2, 1777. 

Rufus, m. Sarah Burley, November 20, 1785. 

Luther. 

Benjamin. 

Calvin. 



David Thompson, son of David, married Patience. He 
with his sons James and Abel, and their cousin Rufus, were 
in the Revolutionary army. 
Ch. I. James. 

Abel, b. 1761; d. February 6, 1782. 

Patience, b. 1762; d. September 26, 1777. 

Eleazar. 

David, b. 1773. 

Deborah, b. November, 1776; d. September 20, 

1777. 
David, b. October 7, 1778. 



474 



GENEALOGIES. 



8. Joseph, b. March 21, 1781. 

9. Abel, m. Ruth Thompson. 

James Thompson, son of David, first lived near the Fos- 
ter place on the Corbin road. He moved to Belchertown 
about 1795. He married Mrs. Rachel Hovey, daughter of 
Joseph Enos 

Ch. I. Enos. 

William, b. July 5, 1772; m. Experience Darling, 

of Palmer. 
Roswell, m. Anna Cleveland; lived in Belcher- 
town. 
Rachel, b. December 30, 1776; m. Capt. Onias 
Hoar, April 28, 1864. 

5. Betsey, m. George Bennett, of Belchertown. 

6. Asa, b. April 25, 1781; m. Louisa Cooke, of 
Belchertown. 

7. Doll}^ m. Reuben Cleveland, of Belchertown. 

8. Susanna, m. Loring Dutton, of Ludlow. 



RuFus Thompson, son of William, married Sarah Burley, 
daughter of Josiah, November 24, 1785. 
Ch. I. Huldah, b. March 10, 1787. 

2. Hannah, b. February 26, 1789. 

3. Grosvenor, b. February 21, 179 1. 



Elijah Touey came from Sutton, Mass., and bought in 
1782, of Elijah Loomis, of East Windsor, lot No. 2 (where 
Mason Horton now lives). He sold it to Capt. Penuel Child, 
in 1789. Children born in Union: 

Ch. I. Nancy, b. wSeptember 17, 17S2. 
2. Elijah, b. October 3, 1784. 



Thomas Tourtelott came from Thompson to Union in 
1820, and bought the place previously owned by John 
Armour. His uncle Stephen, a millwright, came to town 



THE TOWN FAMILY. 475; 

later, but never owned a place here. Thomas Tourtelott 
married Rebecca. 
Ch. I. Thomas. 

Smith, m. Sarah Leland, April 9, 1848. 
Wright. 
Squire. 
Reed. 

Adaline, m. Dwight W. Whittemore, of Stur- 
bridge, April 9, 1848. 

THE TOWN FAMILIES. 

Joseph Town came from Thompson to Union about 
1819. He lived in the northwest corner of town, where 
Abiel now does. He was selectman in the years 1826, 1829 
and 1835. 

He married, first, Rhoda Chaffee, who died February 17,. 
1840. He married, second, Martha Bradley, who died 
August 18, 1858, aged 58. 

Joseph Town died July 13, 1865, aged 78. 

His children (the first six born at Thompson, the rest 
at Union), were: 

Ch. I. Hiram, b. May 5, 1806. 

2. Nancy, b. February 7, 1808; m. William G. 

Young of Southbridge, October 14, 1833. 

3. Hermon, b. August 30, 1810; d. in Wales. 

4. Luther, b. December 20, 181 2; lives in Spring- 

field. 

5. Walter, b. April 3, 1815; d. December 29, 1816. 

6. Lucinda. b. March 13, 181 8; lives in Brimfield. 

7. Laura, b. April 2, 1820; d. November 27, 1829. 

8. Mary Ann, b. August i, 1822; d. in Wales. 

9. Lucy, b. January 26, 1825; m. Edwin vS. Webber 

of Holland, January 22, 1843. 

10. Abiel, b. February 4, 1828. 

11. Walter, b. August 15, 1830; d. September 19,, 

1830. 

12. Esther Wales, b. January 9, 1832; m. Timothy 

D. Butterworth of Holland, January 9, 1851 



476 GENEALOGIES. 

Hiram Town, son of Joseph, married Betsey Wales, 
daughter of Gideon, December 20, 1829. She died August 
31, 1844. He married, second, Bennet. 

Ch. I. Laura, b. October 30, 1830; m. F. B. Blodgett of 
Holland. 

2. Hiram Judson, b. April 7, 1834; d. in the army, 

December 28, 1862. 

3. Allen Wales, b. April 23, 1836; lived in South- 

bridge. 

4. Merritt A., b. February 2, 1839; i^^- Abbie A. 

Pratt, March, 1867. 

5. Mary Ann, b. April 5, 1842; m. Andrew G. 

Chaplin, August, 1862. He died December 
8, 1862. 

Abiel Town, son of Joseph, married Frances Wheelock. 
Ch. I. Emma, b. April 4, 1859. 

2. Ella, b. November 19, i860. 

3. Frank, b. January 7, 1865. 

4. Annie, b. May 3, 1867. 

Joel Town was born in Oxford, Mass., March 12, 1776. 
He was the son of Simon, the son of John, the son of Jacob, 
the son of William Town and Joanna Blessing, who came 
from Yarmouth, England, as early as 1640. William Town 
is the ancestor of nearly all the Towns in this country, and 
a memorial of his descendants has been published. Joel 
Town came from Dudley to Union not far from 1830. He 
lived west of Timothy Newell's, where his son George W. 
afterwards did. He married Elizabeth (Betsey) Willard. 
He died at Union or at Ashford, September 24, 1863, 
aged 87. 

Ch. I. Celestina, b. October 8, 1801; m. John Pope of 
Thompson, January 20, 1822. 
2, George W., b. April 15, 1804; m. first, Sally 
Cass, daughter of Elbridge, April 12, 1847. 
She died April 11, 185 1. He married, second, 
widow Hannah Squires, March 20, 1853. He 
died December 13, 1863, without children. 



THE TOWN FAMILY. 



Air 



3. Nelson Parker, b. November i, 1806. 

4. Sennia P., b. August 24, 1809; m. Danforth 

Childs, March 9, 1828. 

5. Oliver W., b. March 29, 1812; m. Julia Stoler. 

6. Betsey, b. April 21, 1816; m, first, Gilbert Rose- 

brooks; second, Uriah P. Marcy. 

7. Rejoice Foster, b. June 15, 1819. 

Nelson P. Town was an excellent mechanic at Charl- 
ton, Mass. He married Julia A. Dresser, daughter of 
Moses, September 10, 1828. He died November 24, 1846, 
aged 40. 

His sons were : 

1. Alban Nelson, b. May 26, 1829. He is one of the 

greatest railroad men in the country. He 
began as a brakeman on the Chicago, Burling- 
ton and Quincy Railroad, and by his applica- 
tion, integrity and perseverance rose to the 
position of assistant general superintendent. 
In 1869 he became general superintendent 
of the Central Pacific Railroad, which posi- 
tion he still holds (1892). It is a position of 
great responsibility, but Mr. Town has shown 
rare ability in the discharge of its multifari- 
ous duties and has acquired a large fortune. 
He is highly respected by all who know him. 
He lives in San Francisco, Cal. 

2. Moses D., b. August 15, 1831. He was engaged 

in railroad business, under the C. B. & Q. 
R. R. 

3. Lewis Willard, b. September 4, 1833. He has 

been superintendent of several railroads in 
the West, and by his energetic labor has 
won a position of profit and honor. By a 
life of integrity he has endeared himself to 
the best men of the country. He lives at 
Kansas City, Mo. 

4. Horace A., b.July 12, 1835, is another eminently 



478 GENEALOGIES. 

successful railroad man. He is the superin- 
tendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad. 
He lives at Brainerd, Minn. 
5. Marcus M., b. May 28, 1844, has also been a suc- 
cessful railroad superintendent and hotel 
proprietor in the West. 

Rejoice Foster Town, son of Joel, lives on the old Fos- 
ter place in Union. He married Elizabeth C. Sessions, 
daughter of Col. Moses C. She died November 2, 1888. 

Ch. I. Andrew, b. June 28, 1844; d. April 4, 1871. 

2. Nelson, b. December 25, 1845; lives in Willing- 

ton. 

3. Albert, b. November 28, 1847; d. October 24, 

1852. 

4. Horace, b. February 19, 1850; m. Florence Bid- 

well, November 25, 1873; one child, Arthur 
Horace, b. October 15, 1874. 

5. Frank, b. September 4, 1852; killed by a falling 

timber at South Windsor, March, 1890. He 
married vStella House and left two children, 
Emma and Frank. 

6. George, b. April 5, 1855; d. October 22, 1856. 

7. George, b. June 8, 1862. 

George Town, son of R. Foster, married Josephine Bar- 
bour, daughter of Frederick, November 28, 1888. They 
liave one child. 

Ch. I. George Raymond, b. September 20, 1889. 



Sullivan Underwood, a native of Monson, Mass., mar- 
ried Fanny Lyon, daughter of Stephen. They have lived 
in many different places in the towns of Union, Holland, 
W^oodstock, Pomfret, Eastford, Ashford and Stafford. 
Ch. I. Palmer Stanton, b. February 18, 1836. 

2. Milton Bradford, b. January i, 1843; d. June 21, 
1843- 



THE UPHAM FAMILY. 479 

3. Caroline Elizabeth, b. 1844; d. 1846. 

4. Milton Allen, b. September, 1845; m. Nellie 

Capwell; have three children. 

THE UPHAM FAMILY. 

IcHABOD Town Upham, son of Nehemiah, was born in 
Thompson, April 29, 1798, and died at Union. He married 
Abigail Copeland, March 3, 1822. He came from Thomp- 
son to Union in 1822, and settled on the place where he 
ever afterwards lived and where his son Jonathan now re- 
sides. 

Ch. I. Edwin Windson, b. jMay 3, 1823. 

2. Jonathan Copeland, b. August 16, 1828. 

3. vSarah Elizabeth, b. October 22, 1830; d. March 

2, 1856. 
Ichabod T. Upham died October 3, 1889. Abigail C. 
Upham died January 2, 1882. 

Edwin W. Upham married Nancy Deliza Corbin, 
November 12, 1848. He lived a year in Monson and 
a year in Brimfield; then he returned to Union and 
in 1854 bought the Alexander Strong place in Rock- 
meadow, where his son Francis now lives. He lived there 
until he moved to the Lindsey place in the fall of 1881, 
where he now resides. He was a soldier in the late war, 
being a corporal in Capt. Corbin's company. He has held 
several town offices and represented his town in the Legis- 
lature of 1889. 

Ch. I. Francis Leroy, b. April 30, 1853; m. Ella Ade- 
laide Colburn, daughter of George D. Col- 
burn, April 12, 1875. 
2. Lizzie Abbie, b. April 21, 1861. 

Jonathan Copeland Upham, son of Ichabod, married 
Maria T. Arnold of Killingly, October 27, 1857. 
Ch. I. George Washington, b. August 2, 1859. 

2. Sarah Elizabeth, b. April 15, 1861; d. July 25, 

188-,. 



48o GENEALOGIES. 

George W. Upham, son of Jonathan, married Cornelia 
Youngs, daughter of Thomas, July 17, 1884. She died 
April II, 1888. He married a second time Eliza Smith, 
November 6, 1889. 

Ch. (by first wife), Arthur Herbert, b. February 5, 1886. 

Archelaus Upham, son of Nehemiah of Thompson, came 
to Union with his brother Ichabod, with whom he lived 
until 1829, when he returned to Thompson. He was an 
active member of the church while in town. He married 
Betsey Richmond of Pomfret. 

Ch. I. Nehemiah, b. 1820; lived in Norwich, Conn. 

2. Phebe, b. in 1821. 

3. Maria Cummings, b. in 1822. 

4. Lyman, b. in 1824. 

5. Esther Arnold, b. in 1826. 

6. Benjamin Morris, b. in 1828. 

7. George, b. in 1830; lives in Athol. 



Deacon Ebenezer Wales came from Windham to Union 
not far from 1750. He was born in Milton, Mass., once a 
part of Dorchester, in 1697, and died in Union, April 12, 
1776, in the 78th year of his age. He left a widow and six- 
teen children, and had buried four. He left Milton with 
his father when sixteen years old, who settled in Wind- 
ham. Ebenezer Wales was deacon of the church at Wind- 
ham for several years before he came to Union. He was 
noted for his piety, for his intellectual ability and deep 
sensibility, as is proved by his printed advice to his chil- 
dren. His "Counsels and Directions" were published at 
Boston in 1813, in a tract of 24 pages, nearly 40 years after 
his death. They had remained in manuscript 76 years 
before they were printed, and are now 127 years old (1864), 
The tract was printed, probably, for the use of his descend- 
ants, and ought to be republished for the general good of 
mankind. The father of Ebenezer Wales was Deacon 
Nathaniel Wales, of Windham, a native of Milton, Mass. He 



WALES. 481 

was born in 1658 and died June 22, 1744, in the 83rd year of 
his age. 

Deacon Nathaniel Wales was the son of Timothy Wales, 
of Milton, an eminently pious but eccentric man. He was 
probably born in England, and came with his father, Dea- 
con Nathaniel Wales, who was one of the first settlers of 
Dorchester, Mass. Deacon Nathaniel Wales, of Dorches- 
ter, was a fellow passenger with the Rev. Richard Mather, 
in the ship "James of Bristol," which came over in 1635. 
The details of that voyage were written by Mather, and 
his "Journal" is printed in Young's CJu-onicles of Massachu- 
setts. His wife's name was Issobell, and she outlived him 
only two weeks. His children, according to Savage, were 
Timothy, John and Nathaniel, who came to America with 
him. Whether any were born here is unknown. The 
family traditions say he had a brother John; also a brother 
Elkanah, who had two sons. 

Deacon Ebenezer Wales, of Union, had two brothers, 
Deacon Nathaniel Wales, of Windham, and Rev. Eleazar 
Wales. His first wife was Esther Smith, the mother of 
ten of his children. She died October 10, 1737. He 
then married Deborah Ward, October 13, 1741, who is said 
to have had ten children, though only eight are enumer- 
ated in the following list. 

Deborah Wales was a woman of great patriotism and 
resolution. She was the one who said to her son, Solomon 
Wales, when two of his sons were about starting to Cam- 
bridge at the time of the Lexington alarm : " I would not 
send my boys where I dare not go myself." He took the 
hint. He sent his boys and went himself, and served as 
captain, at the age of 45, fifteen months. Deborah Wales 
lies buried in the old cemetery at Union, just east of the 
center. On the gravestone everything else is obliterated 
except the name, "Mrs. Deborah Wales." Her grave is 
now annually decorated by the local G. A. R. Post. 

Deacon Ebenezer Wales died just as the American Rev- 
olution was ready to break out, viz., April 12, 1774. His 
widow, Deborah, died March 13, 1779, aged 65. 
31 



482 GENEALOGIES. 

The children of Deacon Ebenezer Wales and his two 
wives, Esther and Deborah, were : 

Ch. I. Anna, b. September 7, 1720; d. May 13, 1721. 

2. Nathaniel, b. March 20, 1722; d. October 20, 

1783. 

3. Ebenezer, b. December 10, 1724; d. April 13, 

1751- 

4. Elisha, b. March 10, 1728; d. April 6, 1788. 

5. Solomon, b. November 19, 1729; d. March 20, 

1805. 

6. Elizabeth, b. September 28, 1730; d. April, 1763. 

7. Eleazar, b. April 30, 1732. 

8. vSeth, b. April 12, 1734; d. May 20, 1785. 

9. Anna, b. July 27, 1735. 

10. Timothy, b. October 7, 1737; m. vSarah Loomis, 

November 11, 1762. 

11. vSiisannah, b. July 9, 1742. 

12. Oliver, b. February 23, 1744. 

13. Esther, b. March 8, 1746; m. John Bliss, of 

Brimfield, 1774; d. November 24, 1781. 

14. Elijah, b. January 28, 1748. 

15. Irene, b. August 3, 1750; d. December 3, 1793. 

16. Lydia, b. March 9, 1752; d. September 20, 1781. 

17. vShubael, b. October 6, 1754. 

18. Sarah, b. October 6, 1754. 

There are two others who died young, whose names are 
not given. This is the largest family which we have to 
record in this book. 

Solomon Wales, son of Ebenezer, was a man of remark- 
able ability. Probably no man has ever lived in town who 
has been endowed with greater acuteness and strength of 
mind. 

There is a tradition that he ran away from home when 
a boy to go with his two brothers to the French war. If 
this be true, it must have been the "old French war," as it 
is often called, or King George's war. In this war the for- 
tress of Louisburg, on Cape Breton Island, was captured by 



WALES. 483 

a colonial army, June 17, 1745. At this time young Solo- 
mon would have been sixteen years old. This theory is 
confirmed by the fact that he was on the coast when he went, 
as the following incident shows : During the expedition he 
drifted from the ship in an open boat. In his effort to 
reach the ship his oar broke or was lost, and he was 
obliged to save himself by swimming some distance in a 
wintry sea. He was captain of a company for a part of the 
time of the Revolution. 

He probably lived in the north part of town, where his 
son Gideon did. He married, ist, Lucy Strong, October 3, 
1754. She died December 29, 1772, and he married, 2nd, 
Dorothy Perrin, of Woodstock, September 2, 1773. He died 
March 20, 1805. 

Ch. I. Eleazer, b. July 30, 1755. 

2. John, b. March 15, 1757; m. Jerusha Derby, 

December 2, 1779. 

3. Eunice, b. January 27, 1759; m. Ruftis ]\Iay, of 

Holland, December 13, 1781. 

4. Lucy, b. June iS, 1761, m. Chester May, of Hol- 

land, February 22, 178 1. 

5. Gideon, b. March 20, 1764. 

6. Esther, b. February 13, 1768; m. Jacob Burnett; 

d. August 25, 1835. 

Eleazar Wales, son of Solomon, lived near the Foster 
saw-mill. He married, ist, Deidameia Chaffee, of Union, 
June 24, 1783. She died March 6, 1787. He married Mary 
Whiting, of Ashford, January 22, 1793. 

Ch. I. Ervine, b. June 10, 1785; lived in Brookfield, 
Wis. 

2. Eleazar, b. May 16, 1794. 

3. Solomon, b. March i, 1796. 

4. John, b. January 12, 1798. 

5. Samuel, b. December 17, 1800; lived in Brook- 

field, Wis. 

6. Deidameia, b. June 9, 1803. 

7. Eunice, b. May 17, 1805. 

8. Derexa, b. February 16, 1809. 



484 GEJVEALOGIES. 

Timothy Wales, son of Deacon Ebenezer, married 
Sarah Loomis, November 11, 1762. 

Ch. I. Elizabeth, b. March 20, 1764; m. Chester Mor- 
ris, of Holland, March 24, 1785. 

2. Timothy, baptized March 30, 1766. 

3. Roger, b. June 19, 1769. 

Oliver Wales, son of Deacon Ebenezer, settled first in 
Union, and afterwards in South Brimfield, in 1766. He 
married, ist, Elizabeth Lawrence, daughter of Dr. James, 

of South Brimfield, and 2nd, Ruth . He died March 

23, 1816. 

Ch. I. James Lawrence, became a prominent citizen 
of South Brimfield, so that in honor of him 
the narne of the town was changed from 
Sout/i Brimfield to Wales, February 20, 1828. 
In recognition of the honor he bequeathed 
^2,000 to the town. He died July 3, 1840, 
aged 70. 

2. Royal, d. August 30, 1857, aged 84. 

3. Oliver, d. September 26, 1855, aged 76. 

4. Irene. 

5. Esther, m. Augustus Phelps, of Ashford. 

6. Orrin, d. October 8, 1785. 

7. Vine, d. February 20, 1784. 

Deacon Elijah Wales, son of Deacon Ebenezer, was a 
deacon of the Baptist church of South Brimfield. He mar- 
ried Rachel Nelson, of South Brimfield, April 14, 1772. He 
died March 2, 1826. His wife died October 18, 1828. 

Ch. I. Nancy, b. March 16, 1773; m. David Rathbone, 
a Baptist minister; d. May 16, 1826. 

2. Tryphena, b. October 11, 1774; d. May 20, 1777. 

3. Ebenezer, b. April 4, 1776; lived and died at 

Fenner, N. Y. 

4. Alvin, b. November 6, 1778; was a Baptist min- 

ister at Fenner; d. June 2, 1810. 

5. Elijah, b. December 2, 1780; was a physician 

and died at Union, August 15, 1850. 



WALES. 485 

6. Linus, b. October 28, 1782. 

7. Philena, b. April 24, 1785; m. Deacon Seward. 

8. Palace, b. September 21, 1787; d. March 27, 1790. 

9. Tryphena, b. January 5, 1790. 

10. Joseph, b. August 14, 1792; went to college and 
became a Baptist minister; d. young. 

Gideon Wales, son of Solomon, lived on the Arnold 
Paine place (the first house southeast of the Northwest 
school-house). He married, ist, Abigail Gallup, of Mont- 
ville, Conn., January 2, 1798. She bore twin children and 
died November 21, 1798. He married, 2nd, Betsey Allen, 
of Sturbridge, October 30, 1800. He died October 12, 1837. 
She died February 27, 1858. 

Ch. I. Abigail, b. October 31, 1798; in. Massena Need- 
ham. 

2. Gideon, b. October 31, 1798. 

3. Lucy, b. February 6, 1803; m. Nathan Kinney. 

4. Esther, b. January 22, 1805; m. vSam. S. Need- 

ham, of Monson. 

5. Aaron Allen, b. November 6, 1808. 

6. Betsey, b. March 28, 181 1; m. Hiram Town; d. 

August 31, 1844. 

Linus Wales, son of Deacon Elijah, married Mary Lor- 
ing, August II, 1811. He died October 13, 1875. His wife 
died February 10, 1865. 

Ch. I. Phila, b. May 25, 1812; m. Ezra A. Putney. 

2. Andrew Jackson, b. August 15, 1815. 

3. Alvin, b. May 8, 1817. 

4. Mary Eliza, b. July 14, 1820; m. James T. Ham- 

ilton, of Stafford, March 6, 1844. 

5. Nancy, b. September 20, 1825; d. September 15, 

1830, by falling into a coal-pit. 

6. Nancy, b. March 15, 1830; m. George Winter, 

of Southbrido-e. 



486 GENEALOGIES. 

Gideon Wales, son of Gideon, married Polly Boyden, 
January 19, 1830. 

Ch. I, Abigail Semina, b. November 6, 1831. 

2. Arvine Rensalaer, b. May 29, 1833. 

3. Solomon Alexander, b. January 21, 1836. 

Aaron Allen Wales, son of Gideon, married Betsey 
Maria Harvey (b. March 6, 1809), April 3, 1830. He lived 
south of the Kinney mills and afterwards on the county 
road near Albert Weld's. 

Ch. I. Betsey M., b. November 7, 1831; m. Marvin 
Howard, October 26, 1881. 

2. Delight H., b. January 3, 1833; m. Thomas Hor- 

ton, April 29, 1850. 

3. Lorette Adelia, b. March 2, 1834; m. Linus 

Smith, of Southbridge, May i, 1853. 

4. Celinda, b. April 13, 1837; m. Albert E. Weld. 

5. Elvira Belinda, b. October 18, 1839; m. George 

Spaulding, of Woodstock. 

6. Lucy Jane, b. November 11, 1S44; d. April 10, 

1869. 

7. Emeline, b. May 22, 1849; d. November 27, 1849. 

Alvin Wales, son of Linus, married Eliza Warren, 
August 7, 1842. 

Ch. I. Viola, b. Noveniber 20, 1S43. 

2. William, b. May 9, 1847. 

3. George, b. December 15, 1850. 

4. Lelia, b. March 8, 1854. 
Alvin Wales died May 19, 1856. 

Andrew J. Wales, son of Linus, married Roxanna 
Moore, February 12, 1858. She was born March 8, 1828. 
Ch. I. Lorinda, b. August 12, 1859. 

2. Nancy, b. July 12, 1862. 

3. Viola, b. October 31, 1864. 

4. Anna, b. January 31, 1870. 



^J. 







Aaron A. Wales. 



WALES, WALKER. 487 

LoRETTE A. Wales, daughter of Allen A. Wales, mar- 
ried Linus vSmith, of Southbridge, May i, 1853. He died 
March 24, 1864. 

Ch. I. Ella M., b. March 6, 1854; m. Samuel O. Sim- 
mons, of Southbridge, January i, 1879, and 
had five children. She died December 29, 
1889. 

2. Mabel, d. in infancy. 

3. Lucy, d. in infancy. 

4. Sedalia E., b. September, 1862; d. September 
29, 1873. 

Lorette A. Smith married, 2nd, Albert M. Belknap, of 
Southbridge, June 9, 1773. 

Ch. I. Henry W., b. April 27, 1876. 

2. Albert Belknap, d. May 10, 1892. 

Elvira B. Wales, daughter of Aaron A. Wales, married 
.George A. Spaulding, March 18, 1869. 

Ch. I. Jennie M., b. February 11, 1872; m. Archie 
Campbell, January 30, 1891. 
2. Anna H., b. June 9, 1878. 



Nathaniel Walker, was one of the earliest settlers and 
large proprietors of Union. He came from Ashford. He 
bought land of Samuel Allen, one of the original proprie- 
tors, in 1729. This was 200 acres, three-quarters of a mile 
northwest of Lead-mine hill. This would include the 
region on the county road north of Henry Corbin's. Tra- 
dition says that he was the richest man that came to 
Union in the first company of settlers. He paid for all- his 
land, stocked his farm well, and brought a barrel of rum. 
But he had intemperate sons who squandered their patri- 
mony. He had two wives, Rebecca, by whom the first two 
children were born, and Jemima, the mother of the rest. 

He died July i, 1759, aged 84. 

He brought seven children with him from Ashford. 
Ch. I. Nathaniel, b. August 4, 1707. 

h 



GENEALOGIES. 

2. Benjamin, b. August 4, 1709. 

3. Obadiali, b. February 3, 17 15. 

4. Rebecca, b. March 7, 17 17. 

5. Israel, b. March 18, 1719. 

6. Abigail, b. May 11, 1721; m. John Ward, Octo- 

ber 10, 1739. 

7. Hezekiah, b. July 8, 1723. 

8. Edward, b. September 23, 1725. 



Nathaniel Walker, son of Nathaniel, married Sarah 
Fuller, May 30, 1736. 

Ch. I. Phebe, b. December 13, 1736. 

2. Judith, b. May 6, 1741. 

3. Zerniah, b. December 20, 1742. v* *£ 4-~-^>-i_-.A-tv. 

4. Rebecca, b. September 10, 1744. 

5. Hezekiah, b. April 18, 1746; m. Jerusha Ames. 

6. Stephen, b. January i, 1748. 

7. James, b. February 9, 1755. 

8. Ketmah, b. October 6, 1756. 

9. Simonds ; lived in Hampton. 



Benjamin Walker, son of Nathaniel, married Lydia. 
She died January 19, 1747. '■■Lri.l(ff^(f,i,(! "ftU.C : •,■ J ^ -" 
Ch. I. Benjamin, b. March 17, 1735. 
Rebecca, b. November 3, 1738. 

3. Elijah, b. July 23, 1743. 

4. Elisha, b. July 23, 1743. 

5. Israel, b. March 16, 1745. 

6. Asa, b. January 11, 1747. 
Eward, b. August 19, 1750; m. Daniel Badger, 

3rd. 
Benjamin, b. June 16, 1755. 
Elizabeth, m. Simonds Walker. 

Obadiah Walker, son of Nathaniel, ist, married Mary 
Chaffee, March 20, 1739. 

Ch. I. Ezra, b. March 29, 1741. 



WALKER. 489 

Edward Walker, son of Nathaniel, ist, married Mary. 
Ch. I. Robert, b. March 11, 1752. 

2. Jacob, b. February 19, 1755. 

3. Eunice, b. January 30, 1757. 

4. Obadiah, b. May 18, 1760. 

SiMONDS Walker, son of Nathaniel, Jr., lived on the 
Elisha Severy place. He married Elizabeth Walker, 
daughter of Benjamin, September 12, 177 1. 
Ch. I. Benoi, b. February 11, 1772. 

2. Chloe, b. December 5, 1773. 

3. Levi, b. April 27, 1775; m. Sarah Shumway. 

4. Stephen, b. September 25, 1782. 

5. Jemima, b. June i, 1785; m. Heman Severy. 

6. Margaret, b. September 9, 1787. 

7. Elias, b. September 2, 1790; d. September 25, 

1790. 

8. Rachel, b. March 20, 1793; d. April 23, 1828. 

9. Mehitabel, b. September 23, 1795. 

Benjamin Walker, son of Benjamin, lived north of the 
Trenck Crawford place. He married Hannah Laflin, April 
10, 1777. He died June 11, 1830. 

Ch. I. Ebenezer, b. November 17, 1777; d. at Fenner, 
N. Y. 

2. Susannah, b. December 16, 1779. 

3. James, m. Polly Howard; d. 1817. 

4. Polly. 

5. Hannah. 

Ezra Walker, son of Obadiah, married ist, Abigail, by 
whom he had two children; second Anna Pitge. 
Ch. I. Perley, b. Jul}^ 22, 1767. 

2. Olive. 

3. Henry, b. July i, 1778. 

4. Wyllys, b. February 21, 1784. 

5. Olive, b. September 28, 1787. 

6. Betsey, b. May i, 1792. 

7. Leighton. 



49° 



GENEALOGIES. 



Benoni Walker, son of Simonds, married Abigail Kin- 
ney of Woodstock, November 14, 1799. He lived where A. 
A. Wales did the latter part of his life. 

Ch, ]. Sally, b. November 4, 1798; died young. 

2. Ira, b. February 17, 1801. 

3. William, b. February 24, 1804; m. Irene Coye 

February 2, 1823; d. April 29, 1828. 

4. Mary, m. Hiram Dodge of Medbury, Mass., 

November 8, 1837. 

5. Mercy Oritta, b. February 16, 1814. 

6. Sally, b. February 21, 1817. 

7. Minerva, b. April 26, 1820. 

Stephen Walker, son of Simonds, lived where Mr. 
Richards does. He married Abigail Johnson. 

Ch. I. Nathaniel, b. December 20, 1809; d. June, 1834. 

2. Elizabeth, b. April 12, 1813; d. May 9, 1813. 

3. Ebenezer. 

Perley Walker, son of Ezra, married Rebecca Brough- 
ton. 

Ch. I. Wareham Bugbee, b. September 9, 1792. 



Ezra, b. July 31, 1794. 

Perley, b. August 28, 1796; m. Sally Howard. 

Huldah Ainsworth, b. August 2, 1798. 

Palmer, b. November 4, 1800. 

John Newman, b. March 3, 1S03. 

Joseph. 

Rebecca, m. Danford Morse. 



Ira Walker, son of Benoni, married Maria Morse March 
II, 1830. 

Ch. I. Ira, b. June 18, 1833; d. June 15, 1835. 

2. Persis, b. April 21, 1836; m. Marcus Curtis; 

second, Wm. P. Park; d. February 9, 1892. 

3. Orrin, b. June 5, 1839. 

Joseph Walker, son of Perley, married Rebecca James, 
daughter of Benjamin, June 25, 1829. 



WALKEE. 491 

Ch. I. Frank, b. December 27, 1830; d. in the army. 

2. Emeline Jane, b. May 6, 1833. 

3. Milo P. J., b. June 6, 1843. 

John Newman Walker, son of Perley, married Nancy 
Perry of Woodstock. 

Ch. I. Danford Perry, b. September 26, 1827. 
Parma, b. Febriiary 23, 1830. 
John Quincy, b. July 25, 1832. 

4. Rebecca, b. January 25, 1836. / 
Daniel, b. October 25, 1837. 

MiLO P. J. Walker, son of Joseph, was in the army in 
the late war, being a member of Co. G. 22nd C. V. He 
married Jennie S. Morse, daughter of Amasa, February 13, 
1866. They lived in the house with her father till Decem- 
ber, 1890, when they moved to Stafford Springs. While in 
Union he held many town offices, being in the Legislature 
of 187 1, and selectman for many years. He has been 
County Commissioner for several years. He has always 
been a Republican. 

Ch. T. Frank H., b. October 19, 1868; d. June 22, 1871. 

2. Herbert M., b. August 15, 187 1; d. March 29, 

1880. 

3. Alice J., b. November 30, 1874. 

4. Albert M., b. October 21, 1877. 

5. Ruth N., b. November 10, 1880. 

Harvey Walker, came to Union from Westford about 
the year 1827. He was the son of Timothy of Westford, a 
descendant of Philip of Rehoboth. He married Julia Ann 
White, daughter of Moses White of Westford, May 16, 1833. 
He died suddenly of malignant pustule, March 4, i860, 
aged 52. Julia A., his wife, died at Chicago, 111., December 
13, 1891. 

Ch. I. Andrew White, b. April 17, 1836; d. October 
23, 1838. 
2. Laura White, b. July 14, 1839; m. first, Jared 



492 GENEAL0OIE8. 

Dana Sessions; second, Rev. vSamnel I. Cur- 
tiss, May lo, 1870. 

3. Josephine, b. March 30, 1841; ni. William M. 

Corbin, June 27, i860. 

4. Andrew D wight, b. January 29, 1843; d. 

November 9, 1849. 

5. Merrillo Harvey, b. March 28, 1850. 

6. Frederick Hartwell, b. April i, i860; m. Capi- 

tola HoUingsworth. 

Hartley Walker, son of Timothy of Ashford, lived at 
Mashapaug. He married Josephine Reed. She died 
August I, 1873. 

Ch. I. Harriet Josephine, b. April 28, 1859; m. Fred 
W. Moore. 
2. Hartley Reed, b. April 5, 1865; ni. Belle Harris 
of Fiskdale. 

Frederick H. Walker, son of Harvey, married Capitola 
HoUingsworth (born May 23, 1864) June 6, 1886. 
Ch. I. Eugene, b. January 2, 1888. 
2. Florence, b. May 3, 1890. 



Newton Wallis, son of Hiram and Mary E. Putney 
Wallis, was born in Holland, Mass., July 5, 1841. During 
the war he served from October 15, 186 1, to November 27, 
1864, in Co. I, 27th Mass. Vol. Inf., as private and corporal, 
and was in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall; Goldsboro> 
and the siege of Washington, N. C, also the battle of Port 
Walthall, and the siege of Petersburgh, Va., in 1864, being 
wounded at Port Walthall. 

He lived in Union from 1865 to 1889, with the exception 
of the years 1879 and 1880, when he lived in Wales. He 
has always been engaged in some form of the lumber busi- 
ness. He held several town offices, and was one of the 
charter members and a commander of the D. P. Corbin 
G. A. R. Post of Union. 



WALLIS, WAHB. 493 

He now (1893) lives in Ludlow, Mass. He married Dell 
E. Harris, daughter of Dea. William H. Harris, of Holland, 
November 18, 1869. 

Ch. I. Edith A., b. October 12, 1876. 

2. Lizzie D., b. March 11, 1879. 

3. Willie N., b. June 27, 1885. 



Dea. William Ward was an early settler of L^nion, and 
a large land proprietor. He was the son of William Ward, 
who came to Union with his son from Ashford, where he 
was an influential man in town and church affairs. He died 
June 8, 1731, the first white person who died in town. He 
was buried in the old burying ground near the center, but 
has no headstone. He was 61 j^ears of age. His widow, 
Judith Ward, died in Union, January 21, 1746. William 
Ward, Sr., was the son of Obadiah, the son of William Ward, 
the common ancestor of a posterity in this country, which 
in 1 85 1, numbered many thousand persons. 

Dea. William Ward, of Union, was the oldest of a family 
of seven children, born June 9, 1691, and died at Union, 
September 11, 1780. His wife, Rachel, died February 6, 
1779; aged 84. He was the first ajDpointed deacon of the 
church, and universally respected as a wise and good man. 
Dea. Horton remembered him as an old man of venerable 
appearance, who on the Sabbath sat in the pulpit with the 
minister, as he was hard of hearing. The descendants of 
Dea. Ward were numerous and would now outnumber the 
population of the town, but not one of them has lived in 
Union for nearly a century. His children were: 

Ch. I. Uriah, b. Februury 24, 17 15; m. Elizabeth 
Ingraham. 

2. John, b. November 9, 1716; m. ist, Abigail 

Walker; 2nd, Abigail Heath. 

3. Ebenezer, b. April 9, 17 19; m. Anna Peake. 

4. Moses, b. September 16, 1722; m. Eunice Rood. 

5. Obadiah, b. February 9, 1725; m. Esther Ruggles. 

6. Rachel, b. April 23, 1727; m. Joseph Enos. 



49'4 



GENEALOGIES. 



7. Jesse, b. August 6, 1729; m. Elizabeth Abbe. 

8. Sarah, d. January 13, 1740. 

9. William, d. April 23, 1735. 

10. Benjamin, d. October 19, 1741. 
Dea. William Ward lived on the place afterwards owned 
by Linus Wales. 

Uriah Ward, son of Dea. William, settled first, at Union 
He had eight children. He died at Monson, in 1790. 

John Ward, son of Dea. William, lived in Union till 1848, 
then moved to Belchertown. He -had 16 children. 

Epenezer Ward, son of Dea. William, had 8 children, 
and died in 1767, aged 48. 

MosES Ward, son of Dea. William, had 8 children, and 
died before 1770. 

Obadiah Ward, son of Dea. William, lived at Union, 
Belchertown, South Hadley, and Cambridge, N. Y. He 
had 6 children. 

Joshua Webb, came from Windham, and bought land of 
Josiah Sumner, June 6, 1753. He married Hannah, daugh- 
ter of John Abbie. 

Ch. I. Eunice, b. November 20, 1755. 

2. Calvin, b. July 30, 1757; d. at Rockingham, Vt. 

in 1854. 

3. Mary, b. January 27, 1760. 

4. Ann, b. August 21, 1761. 

5. Luther, b. October 23, 1763. 



George A. Webster came from Lancashire, Eng. He 
lived in Springfield, Mass., whence he came to Union, in 
February, 1861. He married Maria Rockwell; second, Mrs. 
Jane L. Presby, of Springfield. 

Ch. I. Charles Richard, b. January 3, 1855; m. Caro- 



WEBSTER, WELD, WHITE. 495 

line Blodgett, of Holland, February, 1884, 
and has one child, Marion Gertrude, b. Au- 
gwst 10, 1890. 

2. Martha Maria, b. March 2, 1856; d. April 4, 1880. 

3. William Sanford, b. February 21, 1858. 

4. Robert Ellsworth, b. September 19, 1861; m. 

Bertha Corbin, daughter of Anson, April 15, 
1886. 
Mr. Webster died 1891. Mrs. Webster died January, 
1892. 

Albert E. Weld married Celinda Wales, daughter of 
Aaron A., March 29, 1859. They lived at Union till about 
1887, when they went to Southbridge. 

Ch. I. Isabel M., b. January 22, 1862; m. Rev. John 
Pearce. 

2. Benjamin Corey, b. July 5, 1863; m. Nettie E. 

Kinney, October 23, 1887. 

3. Flora M., b. July 27, 1868; d. May 10, 1870. 

4. Everett A., b. January 17, 1870; d. May 13, 1870 

5. Clarence E., b. June 30, 1875; d. July 3, 1879. 

Isabel M. Weld, daughter of Albert E. Weld, married 
Rev. John Pearce, March 31, 1886. 

Ch. I. Winnifred W., b. February 15, 1887; d. February 
20, 1887. 
2. Annie Belle, b. June 27, 1888. 



Moses White, son of Amariah, was born at Uxbridge, 
Mass., April 26, 1790. He came to Union about 1812, and 
lived at the place owned later by Dr. Hammond. There 
in company with Pearl & Taintor, he was employed as a 
merchant, first as clerk, then as partner. He removed to 
Westford about 181 7. He married Elizabeth Paul, daughter 
of Robert, December i, 18 14. 

Ch. I. Julia Ann, b. April 16, 1816; m. Harvey Walker, 
May 16, 1833. 



496 GENEALOGIES. 

2. Laura, b. July 23, 1818; m. Stephen Whiting, 

October 29, 1839. 

3. Marcia, b. December 3, 1821; m. Albert Knight, 

March 3, 1847. 

4. Moses Wood, b. June 15, 1828; m. Ellen Smith, 

November 27, 185 1. 

5. Merritt Paul, b. March 4, 1831; m. Susan P. 

Adams, February 16, i860. 

6. Cornelia, b. December 14, 1833; m. Francis 

Adam.s, Oct. 4, 1866. 
Moses White died August 31, 1867. His wife Elizabeth, 
died July 7, i860. 

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY. 

Colonel Ephraim Williams of Newton, together with 
William Williams, of Watertown, and Thomas Greenwood 
of Newton, bought of Thomas Steel of Boston, a large 
tract (1722 acres), of land in Union, in 1736. This Colonel 
Williams afterwards moved to Stockbridge, Mass., and 
became distinguished in the French war in which he lost 
his life in 1735. He bequeathed his property to a school 
in the town named after him, Williamstown, and thus 
became the founder of Williams College. It is supposed 
that William Williams of Watertown, and afterwards of 
Mansfield, Conn., was a relative. Also, that said William 
Williams had a son William, who was the following : 

William Williams, of Mansfield, moved to Union< 
where he lived some years, then returned to Mansfield. 
He lived in the southwest part of town on the hill south- 
east of Mr. Joseph Walker's. He was a prominent citizen 
while in town. He married Azubah Metcalf, February 17, 
1747, and had 13 children. 

Elisha Williams, probably a brother of the preceding, 
came to Union from Mansfield. He was a soldier in the 
old French war, and was called Lieut. Williams. He mar- 
ried Abigail, and had 8 children. 



WILLIAMS, WINCE. 497 

Allen Aaron Williams, was born July 8, 1805. He mar- 
ried Sarah Whitehouse, Nov. 25, 1827. He came from Wil- 
lington in 1850, and settled in Rockmeadow. 
Ch. I. Anson Allen, b. February 2, 1831. 

2. Alden Emery, b. August 3, 1833; m. Abigail 

A. Cortis. 

3. Martha Ann, b. April 20, 1836; d. August 13, 

1838. 

4. Sarah Maria, b. August 5, 1838; m. Henry B. 

Booth, August 25, 1858. 

5. John S., b. December 14, 1841. 

6. Alice Ann, b. February 10, 1843; d. February 

6, 1864. 

7. Adelia, b. August 3, 1844; m. Henry B. Booth 

April 14, 1864. 

8. George C, b. June 27, 1847. 

9. Myron Eugene, b. August 6, 1851; m. Kate 

Needham; lives in Wales. 



John Wesley Winch, son of Lovell P. and Clara H., was 
born March 31, 1838, at Fall River, Mass. He married first, 
Henrietta J. Ball, of Holden, Mass., July 17, 1861. She 
died July 6, 1863. He married second, Helen M. Moore, 
(widow of Otis P. Moore), February 15, 1865, at Auburn, 
Mass. He came to Union, October 9, 1875, and settled first 
at the Watkins place. He kept store at Union awhile, 
until he was burned out there. He soon after removed to 
Mashapaug, where he has since resided and kept the post 
office, and engaged in trading, lumbering, etc. 

Ch. I. Wesley Winfield, b. September 26, 1866. 

2. Nellie Adelaide, b. July 4, 1868; m. Gilbert 

Willis. 

3. John Mortimer, b. July i, 1870; d. November 

16, 1871. 



32 



498 0ENEAL0GIE8. 

Samuel Wood, came from Oxford, Mass., to Union, 
where he bought land of Nath. Sessions, in 1745. He sold it 
in 1761. He married Lydia Ripley, January 11, 1750, and 
had 7 children. 



Amos Woodworth, came from Lebanon, Crank Parish, 
now Columbia, to Union, in 1754, and lived on Lot No. i, 
(the Newell Farm, and extending east to Bigelow). He 
was the one who first built Bigelow dam and mill. 



Jonathan Wright, was an early resident of Union. 
Simeon Wright with his two sons John and Simeon, served 
in the Revolution. Simeon, Jr., had 10 children. 



Rev. Ebenezer Wyman, the first settled minister of 
Union, was a native of Woburn, Mass. He was born May 
5th, 1707, graduated at Harvard College, in 1731, and 
ordained at Union, December 13th, 1738, the same day the 
church was organized. The grandfather of Rev. Eben- 
ezer Wyman was John Wyman, who with his brother Fran- 
cis Wyman, came from England and were among the first 
settlers of Woburn. Both were by trade tanners, an occu- 
pation in which a great many of the inhabitants of Woburn 
have always been engaged. John Wyman married Mary 
Nutt, November 5, 1644, and had ten children of which 
Jacob Wyman, the tenth child, lived at Woburn, a tanner 
by trade, and died there March 31, 1742. He married Eliza- 
beth Richardson of Woburn, and had thirteen children, 
of which the Rev. Ebenezer Wyman of Union, was the 
tenth. He had a brother John, who graduated at Harvard. 

Rev. Mr. Wyman died suddenly at Union, January 29, 
(or, according to the town records, January 30), 1746, at the 
age of thirty-seven, after he had been established in the 
ministry six years, one month and sixteen days. His 
death was caused by an attack of pleurisy, brought on by 



WYMAJ^, YOUNG. 49^ 

exposure, after fatigue in hunting, an amusement of which 
he was fond. 

He married Mary Wright of Woburn, daughter of 
Josiah Wright, May 22, 1739. They had three daughters: 
Ch. I. Mary, b. 1740; m. Caleb Loomis, January 7, 

1758- 

2. Lucy, b. January 2, 1742; m. Uriah Carpenter, 

December 5, 1759. 

3. Ruth, b. September 15, 1745; m. Thomas Hill, 

April 10, 1766. 
The widow of Rev. Mr. Wyman married Deacon Abner 
Sessions of Union, May 13, 1747. By him she had three 
children, Ebenezer, named for her first husband, and two 
daughters, Silence and Mary. She died April 26, 1782. 

Levi Wyman, came from Charlton to Union, about 1800. 
He was descended from the Wymans of Woburn,-and hence 
distantly related to Rev. Ebenezer. He lived in humble 
circumstances. He married Mehitabel Twiss or Twist. 

Ch. I. Ebenezer, b. January 22, 1787. 

2. Asa, b. April 6, 1793. 

3. Dorothy, b. November 9, 1796; m. Eb. vSumner, 

February 7, 18 13. 

Ebenezer Wyman, son of Levi, married Rosanna Sev- 
ery, November 29, 1807. 

Ch. 1. John, b. April 30, 1808; m. Charlotte Rich- 
ardson. 

2. Matilda, b. vSeptember 22, 18 10. 

3. Deroy, b. July 9, 1813. 

4. Malinda, b. December 8, 1815; m. Leonard Will- 

iams, August II, 1833. 

5. Ezekiel. 



Thomas J. Young, came from Springfield to Union, 
about 187 1, and settled on the Nehemiah Houghton place. 
He was selectman, representative, etc. while in town. He 
33 



500 



GENEALOGIES. 



married Sarah Alderman. The family left town in 1882 and 
went to North Grosvenordale, and afterwards to Lincoln, 
Nebraska. 

Ch. I. Duncan. 

2. Cornelia, m. George Upham, Jnly 17, 1884; d. 

April II, 1888. 

3. Verona, m. George Unangst of Nebraska; one 

child. 

4. Altena. 

5. Corbin. 

6. Ayer. 

7. lona. 



CHAPTER X. 

LISTS OF TOWN OFFICERS, ETC. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN LEGISLATURE FROM THE TOWN OF UNION. 

October, 17S0, Captain Thomas Lawson, William Williams. May, 
1781, John Sessions, Captain Solomon Wales. October, 1781, John Ses- 
sions, Captain Thomas Lawson. May, 1782, Captain Solomon Wales, 
Captain Thomas Lawson. October, 17S2, May, 1783, January, 1784, 
Maj', 1784, October, 1784, May, 1785, Captain Solomon Wales. 
October, 1785, Samuel Crawford. May, 17S6, October, 17S6, May, 
17S7, October, 17S7, John^ Sessions. May, 1788, Samuel Crawford. 
October, 17SS, May, 1789, October, 1789, May, 1790, October, 1790, John 
Sessions. May, 1791, Edward Foster. October, 1791, May, 1792, Samuel 
Crawford. October, 1792, May, 1793, Abijah Sessions. October, 1793, 
May, 1794, May, 1795, October, 1795, Samuel Crawford. May, 1796, 
October, 1796, Abijah Sessions, Edward Foster. May, 1797, October, 
1797, May, 1798, Abijah Sessions, Samuel Crawford. October. 1798, 
May, 1799, Robert Paul, Jr., Samuel Crawford. October, 1799, Abijah 
Sessions, Samuel Crawford. May, 1800, October, iSoo, May, 1801, Rob- 
ert Paul, Jr., Abijah Sessions. October, 1801, May, 1802, Robert Paul, 
Jr., Nathaniel Newell. October, 1802, David Lawson, Joseph Snell. 
May, 1803, Samuel Crawford, Robert Paul. October, 1803, Samuel 
Crawford, Samuel Paul. May, 1804, Elijah Wales, Samuel Paul. 
October, 1S04, Elijah Wales, Samuel Paul. 1805, May, Robert Paul, 
Luther Crawford; October, Samuel Paul, Elijah Wales. 1806, May, Robert 
Paul, Luther Crawford; October, Robert Paul, Samuel Crawford. 1807, 
May, Elijah Wales, Samuel Crawford; October, Robert Paul, Samuel 
Crawford. 1S08, May, Robert Paul, Samuel Crawford; October, Robert 
Paul. Samuel Crawford. i8og. May, Samuel Paul, Nathaniel Newell ; 
October, Samuel Paul, Samuel Crawford. 1810, May, Nathaniel Newell, 
John Crawford ; October, Samuel Paul, John Crawford. 1811, May, 
Thomas Lawson, Jr., John Crawford; October, Thomas Lawson, Jr., 
John Crawford. 1S12, May, Thomas Lawson, Jr., Samuel Paul; August, 
Thomas Lawson, Jr., Samuel Paul ; October, Elijah Wales, Nathaniel 
Chapin. 1813, May, Robert Paul, Nathaniel Chapin; October, Samuel 
Crawford, Jr., Samuel Paul. 18 14, May, Samtiel Crawford, Jr., Josiah 
Eaton; October, David Coye, Philip Corbin. 181 5, January, David 
Coye, Philip Corbin; May, Elijah Wales, Asher Badger; October, Elijah 
Wales, Asher Badger. 1816, May, Ingoldsby W. Crawford, Robert Paul; 



502 TOWN OFFICERS. 

October, Ingoldsby W. Crawford, Nathaniel Newell, Jr. 1817, May, 
Luther Crawford, Nathaniel Newell, Jr.; October, Ingoldsby W. Craw- 
ford, Nathaniel Newell, Jr. 1818, May, Ingoldsby W. Crawford; Nath- 
aniel Newell, Jr.; October, John Crawford, Eleazar Bugbee. 1S19, 
May, Ingoldsby W. Crawford, Nathaniel Newell. 1820, May, Ingoldsby 
W. Crawford, Eleazar Bugbee. 1821, May, David Lawson, Manasseh 
Howard. 1822, May, David Lawson, Ingoldsby W. Crawford. 1823, May, 
Robert Lawson, Eleazar Bugbee. 1S24, May, Ingoldsby W. Crawford, 
William Foster. 1825. May, Ingoldsby W. Crawford, William Foster. 
1826, May, Augustus Moore, William Pitt Sessions. 1827, May, Philip 
Corbin, William Pitt Sessions.. 1828, May, Augustus Moore, Benjamin 
Corbin. 1829, May, Augustus Moore, Benjamin Corbin. 1830, May, 
William Pitt Sessions, Joseph C. Griggs. 1831, May, Benjamin Corbin, 
Joseph C. Griggs. 1832, May, Benjamin Corbin, Shubael Hammond, 
M. D. 1833, May, Luther Crawford, Oavid Lawson. 1S34, May, David 
Lawson. 1S35, May, Benjamin Corbin, Augustus Moore. 1S36, May, 
William Pitt Sessions, Nathaniel Newell; December, William Pitt Ses- 
sions, Nathaniel Newell. 1837, May, Augustus Moore, Abijah Sessions. 
1838, May, Augustus Moore, Abijah Sessions. 1839, May, William Fos- 
ter, William Pitt Sessions. 1840, May, Joseph C. Griggs, Benjamin 
Corbin. 1841, May, Willard Blodgett, Moses C. Sessions. 1842, May, 
Danforth Morse, Moses C. Sessions ; October, Danforth Morse, Moses C. 
Sessions. 1S43, May, Danforth Morse, Nathan Kinney. 1844, May, 
Samuel Crawford, Nathan Kinney. 1845, May, Samuel Crawford, Ezra 
A. Putney. 1846, May, Burke Foster, Abijah Sessions. 1847, May, Burke 
Foster, Abijah Sessions. 1848, Ma}^ Samuel Hammond, Silas P. Allen. 
1S49, May, Samuel Hammond, John N. Foster. 1850, May, Augustus 
Moore, John N. Foster. 1851, May, Healy Corbin, Burt Crawford. 1852. 
May, Healy Corbin, Samuel Corbin. 1853, May, Nathaniel O. Newell, Dan- 
ford Morse. 1854, IV^ay, Nathaniel O. Newell, Danford Morse. 1855, May, 
Philo G. Corbin, Leonard S. Goodell. 1856. May, Thomas Moore, E. Byron 
Foster. 1857, May, George D. Colburn, E. Byron Foster. 1858, May, 
George D. Colburn, John Burley. 1859, May, Aaron A. Wales, John 
Burley. i860. May, Amasa Morse, Nathaniel O. Newell. 1861, May, 
Amasa Morse, Charles Collar. 1862, May, George D. Colburn, Chaun- 
cey Paul. 1863, May, Augustus Moore, Samuel Moore. 1S64, May, 
Loomis Agard, Albert E. Weld. 1865, May, Merrick A. Marcy, John S. 
Leland. 1866, May, Merrick A. Marcy, John S. Leland. 1867, May, 
Thomas Moore, Andrew Towne. 1868, May, William M. Corbin, Chaun- 
cey Paul. 1869, May, George D. Colburn, Chauncey Paul. 1870, May, 
George D. Colburn, A. Harendeen. 1871, May, M. H. Kinnej'-, M. P. J. 
Walker. 1872, May, John B. Hatch, Morris H. Marcy. 1873, May, 
Henry B. Booth, Horatio Carpenter. 1874, May, Henry B. Booth, J. N. 
Whipple. 1S75, May, Samuel W. Moore, George C. Marcy. 1876, May, 



SELECTMEN. 503 

Samuel W. Moore, George C. Marcy. 1877, January, David L. Newell, 
Josiah R. James. 1878, January, Horatio N. Bugbee, William P. Marcy. 
1879, January, Abiel Towne, Merrick A. Marcy. 1880, January, Daniel 
Bartlett, Merrick A. Marcy. 1881, January, Silas W. Newell, Abiel 
Towne. 1882, Januarj% Hartley Walker, Thomas J. Youngs. 1S83, 
January, Andrew J. Wales, Thomas Rindge. 1SS4, January, George 
Baker, Albert Weld. 1885, January, Silas W. Newell, L. Morgan Reed. 
18S6, Lyman Moore, John Winch. 1887, Mason Horton, Henry Booth. 
(Since 1887 the sessions have been biennial). 1SS9, Edwin Upham, 
Myron Heck. 1891, Roscius Back, Elam C. Booth. 1893, Major Smith, 
Fred Walker. 

SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF UNION. 

1754, Samuel Wood, Daniel Badger, Abner Sessions. 1755-6, Sam- 
uel Wood, Joshua Webb. 1757, James Moore, Eb. Wales, Samuel Wood. 
1758, James Moore, Caleb Loomis. 1759, Eb. Wales, Samuel Strong, 
William Williams, Samuel Wood, Abner Sessions. 1 760-1-2, Joshua 
Webb, Samuel Strong, William Williams. 1763, Eb. Wales, Joseph Enos, 
Hugh Crawford. 1764, Abijah Lained, Robert Paul. Joseph Enos. 1765, 
Abijah Lained, Robert Paul, Abner Sessions. 1766, Abijah Lained, 
Abner Sessions, Elisha Williams. 1767, Abijah Lained, Abner Sessions, 
Robert Paul. 1768, Abijah Lained, Hugh Crawford, William Williams. 
1769, Francis Pierce, Phineas Lovejoy, William Williams. 1770, Francis 
Pierce, Robert Paul, Thomas Lawson. 1771, Abijah Larned, John 
Moore, Thomas Lawson. 1772, Abijah Larned, Abner Sessions, 
Thomas Lawson. 1773-4, Solomon Wales, Abner Sessions, Thomas 
Lawson. 1775, Solomon Wales, Abner Sessions, John Sessions. 1776, 
Thomas Lawson, Abner Sessions, John Sessions. 1777, Solomon Wales, 
Abner Sessions, John Sessions. 1778, William Williams, Thomas Moore, 
Thomas Lawson. 1779, Abner Sessions, Thomas Lawson, Ebenezer 
Child. 1780, Abner Sessions, Thomas Lawson, John Sessions. 1781, 
William Williams, Thomas Lawson, John Sessions. 17S2, Samuel Craw- 
ford, Thomas Moore, Thomas Lawson. 1783, Samuel Crawford, Thomas 
Moore, John Hunt. 1784. Samuel Crawford, Abijah Sessions. John 
Hunt. 1785, Samuel Crawford, Abijah Sessions, Nathaniel Newell. 
1786, Thomas Lawson, Archabel Coye, Samuel Crawford. 1787, Samuel 
Crawford, Elijah Wales. Ed. Foster. 17SS, Samuel Crawford, William 
Williams, Thomas Lawson, John Hunt. 17S9, Thomas Lawson, Archa- 
bel Coye, Abijah Sessions. 1790, Samuel Crawford, Archabel Coye, 
Thomas Lawson, Abijah Sessions, Elijah Wales. 1791, Samuel Craw- 
ford, Thomas Lawson, Archabel Coye, Abijah Sessions, Elijah Wales. 
1792, Samuel Crawford, John Hunt, Samuel Strong, Abijah Sessions, 
Elijah Wales. 1793-4, Samuel Crawford, John Hunt, Abijah 
Sessions. 1795, Samuel Crawford, Abijah Sessions, John Hunt. 



504 



SELECTMEN. 



1796-7, Samuel Crawford, Abijah Sessions, Elijah Wales. 179S, Samuel 
Crawford, Abijah Sessions, Thomas Lawson. 1799-1800, Robert Paul, 
Jr., Abijah Sessions, David Lawson. 1801, Robert Paul, Jr., Abijah 
Sessions, Samuel Crawford. 1S02, David Lawson, Nathaniel Newell, 
Samuel Crawford. 1803, David Lawson. Captain Joseph Snell. Samuel 
Crawford. 1804, Samuel Paul, Elijah AVales, Samuel Crawford. 1805, 
Samuel Paul, John Crawford, Elijah Wales. 1806-7-8, Samuel Paul, 
John Crawford, Nathaniel Newell. 1809, Robert Paul, Luther Craw- 
ford, Manasseh Howard. 1810, Robert Paul, Samuel Crawford, Jr., 
Manasseh Howard. 1811, Elijah Hawes, Samuel Crawford, Jr., 
Thomas Lawson, Jr. 1S12, Philip Corbin, Ichabod Moore, William P. 
Sessions. 1813, Samuel Paul, Ichabod Moore, John Crawford. 1814, 
David Corbin, Nathaniel Newell, John Crawford. 1815, John Craw- 
ford, William Foster, Robert Paul, Josiah Eaton. 1816, David Coye, 
Philip Corbin, William P. Sessions. 1S17, David Coye Philip Corbin, 
Eleazer Bugbee. 1818, John Crawford. Philip Corbin, Eleazer Bugbee. 
1819, Nathaniel Newell, Pain Cleveland, Judson Metcalf. 1820, Nathan- 
iel Newell, Abijah Sessions, Judson Metcalf. 1821, David Lawson, 
Abijah Sessions, Jason Ferry. 1S22, David Lawson, David Coye, Ezra 
Putney. 1823. Elijah Hawes. David Coye, Nathan Morse. 1824, Elijah 
Hawes. David Lawson, Joseph Dorsett. 1S25, Samuel Crawford, 
Charles Foster, Paul Lawson. 1826, Samuel Crawford, Joseph Town, 
William Foster. 1827, William P. Sessions, Willard Blodgett, Pain 
Cleveland. 1828, David Coye, Archelaus W. Upham, William P. Ses- 
sions. 1829, Joseph Town, I. W. Crawford, Willard Blodgett. 1830, 
Robert Lawson, Benjamin Corbin, Joseph C. Griggs. 1831, Paul Law- 
son, Benjamin Corbin, Joseph C. Griggs. 1S32, Benjamin Corbin, Ste 
phen Fairbank, Joseph Burley. 1833, Paul Lawson, Alexander Strong, 
Joseph Burley. 1S34, Samuel Crawford, Stephen Fairbank, Newman 
Bugbee. 1835, Sarruiel Crawford, Joseph Town, Willard Blodgett. 
1836-7, Augustus Moore, Abijah Sessions, Nathan Morse. 183S, Ben- 
jamin Corbin, Samuel Corbin, Willard Blodgett. 1839, Augustus Moore, 
Samuel Corbin, Willard Blodgett. 1S40, Augustus Moore, Pain Cleve- 
land, Ezra Horton. 1S41, William P. Sessions, Samuel S. Needham, 
Sullivan Booth. 1842, Nathan Morse, Samuel S. Needham, Sullivan 
Booth. 1843, Nathan Kinney, Newman Bugbee, Asa Putnam. 1844, 
Joseph Walker, Newman Bugbee, John Crawford. 1S45, Burk Foster, 
Daniel T. Crawford, Ezra A. Putney. 1846-7, Abijah Sessions, Th. 
Moore, Samuel W. Moore. 1848, Chauncey Paul, Burk Foster, Ben- 
jamin Corbin. 1849, Healy Corbin, Burk Foster, Benjamin Corbin. 
1S50, Samuel Crawford, Silas P. Allen, Aaron A. Wales. 1851, Samuel 
Crawford, Burk Foster, Lyman Hiscox. 1852, Benjamin Corbin, 
Lyman Hiscox, John Burley. 1853-4, Th. Moore, Nathaniel Newell, 
George Leonard. 1855-6, Samuel Corbin, A. J. Wales, Augustus 



TOWIf' CLERKS AND TREASURERS. 505 

Moore. 1S57, Benjamin Corbin, George Leonard, Dexter Moore. 185S, ' 
Dexter Moore, David Lawson, John S. Easterbrooks. 1859. Daniel T. 
Crawford, David Lawson, John S. Easterbrooks. i860, Benjamin Cor- 
bin, Eleazar B. Foster, Andrew J. Wales. 1861, Benjamin Corbin, 
Eleazar B. Foster, Alexander H. Sessions. 1862, Abijah Sessions, David 
Lawson, Chauncey Paul. 1863, George D. Colburn, John Burley, Th. 
Moore. 1864, Aaron A. Wales, Calvin Marcy, Daniel T. Crawford. 
1865, Daniel T. Crawford, Jesse T. Hall. 1866. Samuel Moore, Reed 
Tourtelott, Asa Putnam. 1S67, Thomas Moore, S. W. Moore, Newman 
Bugbee. 1S68, Thomas Moore, Trenck Crawford, Henry B. Booth. 
1S69, Reed Tourtellott, Henry B. Booth, Hartley AValker. 1870, William 
M. Corbin, Hartley Walker, Merrick A. Marcy. 1871, William M. Cor- 
bin. A. E. Weld, E. W. Upham. 1S72, Wilham M. Corbin, S. W. 
Moore, M. H. Marcy. 1873-4. M. P. J. Walker, Horatio Carpenter, M. 
H. Kinney. 1S75, Trenck Crawford, Samuel W. Moore, Andrew J. 
Wales. 1S76, Trenck Crawford, S. W. Moore, A. J. Wales. 1877, Sam- 
uel W. Moore, Henry B. Booth, Abiel Town. 1878-9, M. H. Kinney, 
S. W. Moore, L. A. Corbin. 1880, S. W. Moore, H. C. Booth, J. W. 
Winch. 1881, J. W. Winch, H. B. Booth. Reuben M. Barton. 1882, M. 
P. J. Walker, Henry F. Corbin, Henry B. Booth. 1883, M. P. J. Walker, 
H. B. Booth, J. W. Winch. 1884, M. P. J. Walker, Lyman Moore, J. 
W. Winch. 1S85, M. P. J. Walker, J. W. Winch. Lyman Moore. 1S86, 
E. M. Horton, H. F. Corbin, Lyman Moore. 1887, M. H. Kinney, L. M. 
Reed, H. B. Booth. 188S, M. H. Kinney, L. M. Reed, H. B. Booth, 
Lyman Moore. 1889, M. H. Kinney, H. B. Booth, L. M. Reed. 1S90-1, 
L. A. Corbm. L. M. Reed, Henry Booth. 1892, L. A. Corbin, L. M. 
Reed, Abiel Town. 

TOWN CLERKS AND TREASURERS. 

1735-1741. Paul Langdon. 1741-1747, Enoch Badger. 1747-1781, 
Abner Sessions. 1781-1784, Abijah Sessions. 1784-1787, Solomon 
Wales. 1787-17S8, John Hunt. 1789-1823, Robert Lawson. 1823-1841, 
Nathaniel Newell. 1841-1842, David Lawson. 1842-1845, Chauncey 
Paul. 1845-1851, Samuel Hammond. 1851-1852, Shubael Hammond. 
1852-1857, Nathaniel Ossian Newell. 1S57-1865. Ingoldsby W. Craw, 
ford. 1865-1S70, David L. Newell. 1870-1S74, Mason Horton. 1S74- 
1892. David L. Newell. 



5o6 



POPULATION. 



POPULATION OF UNION. 



The population of town in the years when a census has 
been taken is as follows : 

Year. Pop. Year. Pop. 

1756, 500 i83o> 711 



1774 
1782 
1790 
1800 
181O 
1820 



514 1840, 669 

552 1850, 728 

631 i860, 732 

767 1870, 627 

752 1880, 539 

757 1890, 431 



Thus we see that the town reached its maximum popu- 
lation in 1800, when it was 767, and its minimum at the 
last census, when it was smallerthanatany other time since 
the first census was taken. From 1756 to 1800 there was a 
steady growth. From 1800 to i860 there was some varia- 
tion, but on the whole it continued about the same. Since 
i860 there has been a steady decline. This has been 
owing to various causes, the principal of which are the 
decline and removal of the shoe industry and the desertion 
of the farms for the West or for cities and villages. The 
question arises : Will the population still continue to 
decrease ? It is the opinion of the compiler that the 
decrease has about reached its limit, and that we may 
expect an increase, not in the immediate future, but after 
a number of years. 



INDEX. 



I'AGE 

AVERY, Rev. David, . 73 

Armour, Andrew W., . 210 

Armour, Philip D., . . . 197 

Agriculture, 221 

BALD Hill, .... 17 
Battle of Lexington, . 115 

Beardsley, Rev. Nehemiah, . 75 
Bigelow Valley, ... 30 

Booth, Rev. Isaac, . . -214 
Boundary with Massachusetts, 37 
Breakneck, . . . .28 
Burgoyne, campaign against, 124 



CALKINS, Lawyer, 
Cat Rocks, .... 
Celebrations at Mashapaug, 
Cemeteries, . . . . 
Church, Congregational, 

150th anniversary of, 

deacons of, 

funds of , . 

members of, . 

clerk and treasurer, . 
Corbin, David P., . 
Corbin, Philip, 
Corbin, William M., 
Coye Hill, . . . . 
Crawford, Dea. Samuel, . 
Crawford, Judge I. W., 
Curtiss, Rev. George, 
Curtiss, Rev. S. I., Sr., 
Curtiss, Rev. S. I., Jr., . 



80, 



56 

29 

24 

248 

47 

91 

93 

97 

97 

105 

189 

213 

192 

18 

154 

155 

166 

159 



DRIVES, .... 30 

ECCLESIAvSTICAL Society, 74 





I'AGE 


GENEALOGIES, . 


. 25'! 


Grand Army Post, 


150 


Griggs, Joseph M., . 


. 185 


HAMMOND. Rev. Charles, 




sketch of his life. 


I 


Hammond, Dr. Shubael, 


153 


Hitchcock, Rev. Caleb, . 


■ 65 


Holman, Rev. Thomas, 


179 


Home Lots, 


• 43 


Horton, Rev. Ezra, 


66 


Howard, Rev. Wm., 


• 90 



FOSTER, Eleazer, . 
Foster, Judge E. K., 

34 



156 : 

157 i 



INCORPORATION, petition 

for 49 

act of, . . 49 

Industries at Mashapaug, . 238 

LAND for public uses, 41 

Land of Content, . 38 

Land-tax, opposition to, 50 

reply of selectmen, 52 

Laurel, the, .... 34 

Lawson, Justus V., . . . 195 

Lead mine, .... 36 

Leonard, Moses G., . .180 

Lumbering, . . 229 

MARCY, Dwight, . .212 

Marcy, Merrick, . . 233 

Marcy, Merrick A 217 

Mashapaug Lake, 19 

name, . . .19 

tradition of, . . 20 

celebration at, . . 24 
outlets of, . . . 27 

Meeting-house, first, building of, 61 
description of, . 76 

building of the new, . 78 
remodeling of, . 85 



5o8 



INDEX. 



Members of Congregational 

Church, . . -97 
of the Methodist Church, 109 

Methodist Episcopal Church at 

Mashapaug, history of, 105 

Moore, Hannah, . . -175 

Morse, Charles F., . . 196 

OLNEY, James, . . .151 

PAUL, Capt. Chauncey, 172 

Paul, Sarah A., . . .186 

Physical Features, 16 

Proprietors, action of, 40 

REED, Joel H., . . . 219 

Revolution, hardships during, 127 

Revolutionary orders, . . 123 

Revolutionary soldiers, 132 

SALE of Union lands, . . 38 
Saw-mills, .... 229 

Schools, 240 

select, . . 244 

Scotch-Irish, -44 

Sessions, Jared D., . 180, 236 



Settlers, first, . 
Shoe business, 
Smith, Rev. LP.,. 
Sprague, Lieut., . 
Stores in LTnion, 
Summer resorts, . 

TEMPERANCE reform, 
Terry, Rev. Samuel, . 
Tory discipline, 
Trainings, the military, 

UNIVERSALIST Society 

VINTON, Calista H., 

WALKER, Harvey, 

War of 1812, Union men in. 

War of the Rebellion, Union 

men in, . 
Watersheds, 
Watson, Rev. J. P., . 
Willard, Col. Abijah, 
Woodland thrush, 
Wyman, Rev. Ebenezer, 





PAGE 


243, 


245 




233 




91 




119 


233, 


235 




24 




83 


■ 4? 


, 5f> 




112 




139 


. • 


85 




176 


174, 


236 


n 


138 


141, 


146 




27 




86 




"3 




34 


59 


, 63 



KRRATA. 



Page 233, near bottom, where it reads: " Mr. Marcy's 
business was largest between the years i860 and 1866," it 
should be "between the years 18^0 and 18^6." 

Page 255, Sally, fifth child of Nathan Abbott, was born 
in 1782, instead of 1772. 

Page 326, Samuel Dwight, son of Samuel Crawford, was 
born in i8ij instead of i8ji. 

Page 328, it was Liberty W. Crawford, son of Trenck, 
instead of Susan Zida, who married Lurancie Converse. 
Susan Z. died unmarried. 

Page 333, Ossian Crawford married Lavinia Shepard 
March 17, i8^j instead of /75J. 

Page 369, Alonzo E. Horton married Sarah W. Babe in 
1861 instead of 1846. 

Page 410, Irene Rinda, third child of Merrick A. ircy, 
was born in 1887 instead of i88_^. 

Page 447, Emma Putnam married Samuel B. Goodier, 
(not Goodyear). 



